Phallic 12-metre art installation raises eyebrows in Naples

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - A new 12-metre artwork in one of Naples' main squares by the late Italian designer Gaetano Pesce has raised eyebrows for its phallic appearance, coupled with a suggestive name.

The cylindrical creation, called "Tu si' 'na cosa grande" ("You're a big thing" in local dialect), is described as representing the stylised costume of the classic Neapolitan "Commedia dell'Arte" character Pulcinella.

Pesce's work replaced Michelangelo Pistoletto's "Venus of the Rags" - a supersized version of a classical Roman sculpture next to a mound of discarded clothes - on display in the Piazza del Municipio in the southern Italian city.

Alongside it stand two giant hearts, pierced by Cupid's arrow. Like the column, they can be lit up from within.

"After the famous 'Venus of the Rags' we couldn't miss this one, which to be honest is really a phallic symbol in all its glory," said local resident Matteo Vasta.

Another local, Rosalba, was a fan of the previous work.

"I'm wondering what Gaetano Pesce wanted to go for with this new installation," she said.

Pesce died in New York in April at the age of 84. His work was characterised by inventive use of colour and materials, featuring socio-political and pop culture references.

(Reporting by Ciro De Luca, Cristiano Corvino and Fabiano Franchitti; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Kevin Liffey)