Program held: 30 ottobre/october 2020 | Milano. Access the episode on Instagram or on YouTube below.
Artwork: Luigi Christopher Veggetti Kanku, Oggi per domani (Today for Tomorrow), 2020. 185 x 135 cm. Collection: MUDEC, Milano. Image courtesy of the artist.
In this episode of Costellazione, Afro-Italian artist Luigi Christopher Veggetti Kanku (b. 1979) discusses his work, Oggi per domani (2020), which depicts a Black Muslim Italian woman as an icon, with a red halo, a veil/hijab, and the Italian tricolor at her collar. She is a figure who reflects the increasing multi-ethnicity of Italy today. She is a figure for the Italy of tomorrow. In the words of the artist: “Lei rappresentala libertà di essere se stessi nel proprio paese" (She represents the freedom to be ourselves in our own country). Since this program of Costellazione aired, the work has been acquired by the Museo delle Culture di Milano (MUDEC).
About the artist: Afro-Italian artist Luigi Christopher Veggetti Kanku (b. 1979) is known for his monumental portraits that celebrate Black women. He lives and works in Milan. At the time of this program, he had recently exhibited his works at Afro Fashion Week and in a solo show, SOTTOPELLE, at his new exhibition space, THE OFFICE, situated in the center of Milan.
Image: Luigi Christopher Veggetti Kanku, Oggi per domani, 2020. 185 x 135 cm. Collection: MUDEC, Milano. Image courtesy of the artist.