Decastriazione: The Lost Phalli

Institute for the Unachievable in collaboration with the Vatican Museums, invites you to, " Decastriazione: The Lost Phalli." Curated by Michelangelo Buonarroti and Sarah Lucas with Priapus (Greek god of fertility), this exhibition will give viewers a look at the genitalia that was once chiseled off many of Italy’s historic sculptures. 1564 marks the year of history’s most significant acts of censorship by the Catholic Church, wherein an order was issued demanding that “figures shall not be painted or adored with a beauty exciting…lust.” For the first time in over 450 years, visitors to the Vatican Museums will be able to appreciate all of the ever so infamous genitalia that was once hidden away from humanity. Digging deep into the museum’s collection, Buonarroti, Lucas, and Priapus, have carefully organized a curiosity cabinet of castrated sculptures and their missing members. Interventions by Lucas, as well as, new and never before seen works by Michelangelo will bring to light the shame and guilt the Catholic Church has spawned over its many years of continued suppression. " From such a gentle thing, from such a fountain of all delight, my every pain is born.” - Michelangelo Buonarroti Following the opening of the exhibition will be a panel discussion with Buonarroti, Lucas, and Adam from the Bible, on why Adam wants his rib back from Eve. The exhibition will be on view through Spring 2020.