Today, on the threshold of becoming a multi-millionaire, Vicari is as dismissive of the art world at home as it has been of him for so many years. He does not rate artists who use shock tactics to grab the public's attention. When you come back to Britain, the country seems so insulated from what is going on everywhere else. My family are from Italy originally and my father and mother are buried near Parma. In Europe, culture is part of life, it's not an optional extra.
People talk about culture here, but never do anything about it.
But with a major deal set to be signed which will ensure he becomes one of the world's wealthiest living artists, he insists the cash will not change him. It is not signed yet, but it is my great hope that it will be soon. But the money will not change me. I was already very well paid for my art before this. Being in a war is an extraordinary experience and it is something that money cannot buy - you do not do it for that.