NR. 000
i.ovo Journal eng
pag 1 Nardini editore
ARIA art gallery is the prestigious location of art exposition born as a philosophical extension of the ESE. The gallery, located just a few steps from Ponte Vecchio, is highly dynamic thanks to it’s young team; events, vernissages and high quality live performances take place surrounded by works of well known or emerging artists, while exotic trees in the ancient garden guard contemporary sculptures.
Borgo SS Apostoli, 40r / Firenze tel: 055 216150 - fax: 055 4641406 / ORARI LunedĂŹ - Sabato: 10:30 / 13:30 - 15:30 / 19:30 / Domenica: su appuntamento e - m a i l : i n f o @ a r i a a r t g a l l e r y. c o m / w w w. a r i a a r t g a l l e r y. c o m
A Global Stage for Florence’s
The Opera:
the Soul of Italy
Contemporary Art Scene
Beyond Parks:
in Florence
ns ecret Garde
in Florence
S
Special thanks to Director and curator: Massimo Tonietti m.tonietti@iovo.it cell. +39 327 5303110; Directeur responsable: Marco Zucchini; Chief editor:
Serena Bedini serena-bedini@libero.it; Web master: Andrea Angeloni; Reviewers (F.U.A. Florence University of the Arts students):
GALLERIA DEL TEATRO ROMANO
Città di Fiesole
Jamie Bachar Wallis Back Jason Bisnoff Arthur Kozlovski Kelsey Kuszmaul Amy Tanzillo Hannah Weiss
SENTORI D’ORIENTE
supplemento a i.ovo Arte e Cultura Contemporanea n°012 APRILE 2012 aut. trib. n. 5825 del 15/03/2011. Editore incaricato Nardini Press srl. Stampa Nuova Grafica Fiorentina
Other Greens
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llo n45/ F_air - via San Ga /85 83 n 81/ EX3 - Viale Giannotti rozzi, 1 St i gl de a zz rozzina - Pia
art on stage
lorence’s F r o f e g Sta A Global rt Scene A y r a r o p Contem
bly (or regretta t, while ng exhilarati porary ar t em os m nt e co s for ong th contempo , are am ’s platform at ds ce th ow en cr ng or Fl ut sayi tourist s a dyes witho ha oked by go lo lly er It ca ov r. fe not) aly, typi has to of ughout It s the city uly, thro naissance resource ce, and tr l and Re en ca or si Fl as cl in s it h it w rary ar t contemip fuels the relationsh ct, that troubled to either ge, in fa le ta gg namic if ri ru he st tists n this rrent ar It is ofte ar tistic cu . d e as g ne y, w ta al heri r reno t of It t of thei ming ou gh within co ei t w ng ar g ri is stir bearin porary the over d change te ke ttle fu ar ba re m t er, a presen accept or y, howev ian the omni s. Recentl e. While soon, Ital er e en th sc im fa t yt re ar an fo ear rary ld – or to disapp contempo or y ’s w el t ce lik ar en un Flor n the ic past is ips withi y’s ar tist relationsh ninsula. with Ital ing newer Italian pe or e pl th ex e of ide ts ou ar tists ar t, of ar e world rather, th
This is especially true right now, as the contemporary art scene in Florence has taken some surprising turns since the New Year.
Florence’s art scene
contemporary
as a whole is renewing itself, globalizing by featuring groundbreaking work created by artist-innovators from within and without Tuscany.
pag 4
F_AIR Gallery y Ragianieri, Alessandra , photo by Am Show, 2012 or Flo e Th for Berray
Nick Cave, Speak Louder. Mixed media - 249 x 173 x 137 cm, 2011. Photo: James Prinz. Courtesy of the artist and Jack. Shainman Gallery, New York
St
As has been the case throughout the last two or more decades, the overall outlook of the art community has become increasingly comprehensive. This visionary expansion is indeed occurring in Florence, as artists and curators alike direct their gazes outside the city. Several exhibits otherwise distinct from each other share this sweeping quality: The Floor Show, curated by Lucia Giardino at the F_AIR Gallery, and voglio soltanto essere amato, a multimedia art platform (MAP) project assembled by a legion of artists and curators at EX3 Centro per Arte Contemporanea. A sense of democracy forms a cornerstone for these exhibits. Works by artists such as the Kinkaleri in were realized in cities throughout Western Europe; location was a key concept in Kinkaleri’s work, but the premise that they take footage in various locations was equally as essential to their vision. The contributors to voglio soltanto essere amato hail from around the world and their pieces are presented in various languages and media, yet as the title of the show suggests, the universal characteristic of the show is paramount. The exhibit at CCC Strozzina is composed of pieces by American artists. Its dialogue with Palazzo Strozzi’s Americans in Florence solidifies the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi’s overseas interests.
The Floor Show
Dreamers
American
Similarly, all aforementioned exhibits showcase works in various media that illustrating a widening understanding of what constitutes “art.” Would Nick Cave’s soundsuits, exhibited in American Dreamers, have had a place in the average Florentine gallery or museum until now? It is unlikely. And yet these exhibitions feature countless works like Cave’s that toe the line between art and craft, performance, poetry, and so on. The relationship between exhibits like The Floor Show, voglio soltanto essere amato, and American Dreamers grows more formidable when one considers their preoccupation with social concepts: democratization of artistic creation and viewership, love, the dream of a population. Amy Tanzillo
77
055 01199
pag 5
via dei Serragli, 56r/58r 50124 - Firenze (Italy) tel.: +39 055 2645767 email: staff@wepresentart.com
International Contemporary Art Gallery in Florence Original Collections and Limited Art Prints
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SECRET GARDENS
Secret Gardens in Florence Beyond the emblematic Florentine gardens of Boboli, the city offers several, lesser-known gardens for lovers of green nature. The 10-acre Bardini garden for example is attached to the Boboli gardens and can be visited for free with a purchase of a cumulative ticket for Boboli. This breathtaking view overlooks the Florence skyline. The Mozzi palace occupied the area in the 13th century and was enlargened in the 17th century and again in the 19th century. After long neglect and a five-year restoration, the garden was replenished with typical Tuscan plants. The extensive project’s aim was to preserve the traditional Tuscan architectural and landscape design. Bardini is full of exciting and unexpected elements such as a large baroque stairway, six fountains with mosaics, hidden statues, fountains, grottoes, and a small theatre. The fauna is also incredible, with roses bordering the fountains, sweeping oak and cypress trees, azaleas and many other flowers. There is also a more agricultural part of this garden that is full of fruit trees, wisteria, and hydrangeas. The garden’s richness defiCredits an d cour te sy Elisabetta nitely makes the trip worthwhile. Giulia
ni
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pag 7
lle rose Ridolfi rtesy Stefano Credits and cou
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n ary gardens ca Two extraordin e th is it as ay M only be seen in s iri of month only blooming e er w s en rd e Ga and roses. Th 65 when Flor created in 18 lIta w ed the ne ence was nam y. cit l ta pi ca ian
Poggi was responsible for the renowned Piazzale Michelangelo and both the Iris and Rose Gardens that were placed on opposite sides of the monument. The Iris Garden is full of 2500 types of useppe the Florentine lily, which Gi ct ite ch ar s The famou is the symbol of Florrenew the to d ke as as w Poggi ence since 1251. Each by y cit e th nd year there is also a very town and expa on ks ar landm exciting international planning new . the river Arno competition with thouthe left bank of sands of gardeners and many visitors from around the world come to view the sight. Come here to see the exquisite shades of thousands of different colored irises. Next, the Rose Garden, “il giardino delle rose�. This garden, with its exceptional view, offers a collection of ancient roses and also a wide variety of plants, some be-
pag 8
ing extremely unusual in Florence, such as the water lily. A recent addition includes a Japanese garden that was given by Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto to the town of Florence. The two gardens are completed by the fact that you will see the whole panoramic or the city while visiting them
The Cascine Park is the largest park in the city of Florence set on more than 118 hectares. This park is extremely well known and houses many events, exhibitions, and markets throughout the year. This park is somewhat narrow and is a long strip of land that is set between the Arno and Mugnone Rivers. This immense agricultural estate rich with vegetation was once the property of the de’ Medici family. It was used for hunting game and breeding bovine animals. Some of the most rare species of plants and fruits were cultivated here. In the last decade of the 18th until the 19th century, Cascine was expanded and embellished with new areas such as boulevards, squares and avenues. Today, you can also see a series of neo-classical monuments and decorative benches and architectural models such as the most celebrated fountain, the Fonte di Narciso.
l 2012 Cascine 14 avbyriHa nnah Hassinger Photo
The fields create a favorite place for Florentines to have walks, picnics, and just enjoy fresh air. It is also a great place for families with young children, couples, and athletes such as joggers and bikers. During the summer, you can buy a twenty-five minute horse and cart ride throughout the park. On Tuesdays, near the Via Della Catena area, you can attend a weekly market that sells a variety of goods including clothing, fruits and vegetables. Hannah Weiss
pag 9
Tonight
teatro comu
nale firenz
e - Corso ita
lia, 16
The Opera: the Soul of Italy The lights dim and the orchestra begins to play. Everyone in the theater falls silent as the curtains roll back to show a beautiful church backdrop and hear a deep voice begin to sing. This is Tosca, the Italian opera by Giacomo Puccini about love, jealously, murder, and political intrigue. Nothing feels more Italian that going to see an opera here in Florence, because of its beauty, culture, and tradition. ry a long histo rence have Italy and Flo and contins 00 16 e ce th of operas sin role for op a dominant st fir ues to play ry ve e Th the world. e eras all over 1600 at th rformed in opera was pe ance and Fr of IV y Henr wedding of Pitti Palace dici at the Marie de Me spread all a Soon oper e in Florence. y all over th all tu en ev d over Italy an me of the so es us ho nce world. Flore the country. a houses in oldest oper for instance lla Pergola Il Teatro de der the paun 56 16 in was built ily and it e Medici fam tronage of th s opened wa it at 18 th wasn’t till 17 was zart’s music Mo c. bli pu to the ly time in Ita st fir e th heard for eteenth nin e th By tre. in this thea performPergola was century, La mposers of st known co be e th of as ing oper ti. et niz Do Bellini and the day like
Another famous opera house in Florence is the Teatro Comunale di Firenze or also known at Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, which was originally opened as an open amphitheater in 1862 with a productions of Donzetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Soon the theatre became the focus of cultural life in the city. In 1930 the building was
pag 10
taken over by the city and officially renamed Teatro Comunale. During the Second World War the building was damaged by bombings. In May 1961 the theatre was modernized and became the theatre it is today, seating 2,000 people in an elliptically shaped auditorium consisting of a large orchestra section. The theatre also houses the annual Maggio Musicale Florentino, a music festival which begun in 1931. Due to the festival, the theatre changed its name to Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino as it remains.
Going to the opera is an important part of immersing oneself in the Italian culture. Since Italy contributed to the diffusion of opera over the world, seeing an opera is as important as the everpopular Italian cuisine or visiting the Vatican. Going to see an opera not only enhances the viewer’s grasp on a certain culture but it will also help to understand and appreciate the musical poetry of the Italian language.
Culture is not something that anyone can acquire by merely visiting a place; it is rather absorbed through experiences. For international students, going to the Opera may seem difficult due to the performances being completely in Italian. However, once there it is easy to understand why opera has lasted as many years as it has. The music is beautiful, the costumes are wonderful, and the over all experience is one to remember. The sheer emotion and movement of the music and the actors help a non-Italian understand the complicated plot. It doesn’t matter what language anyone speaks, Tosca allows everyone to embrace it and weep in the tragedy. Everyone should experience the culture of Italy by seeing an authentic Italian opera. It is so easy to snap a picture of a church or to buy an Italia tee-shirt, but to experience an opera that has been around for over 100 years or more gives the soul a more significant of taste of Italy. Jamie Bachar pag 11
Venturino Venturi Venturino Venturo’s works are pervaded by a sense of mystery and great spirituality.
Galler y Artists
Monica Giarrè
free entrance: Monday-Saturday from 3.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Sunday by appointment. GALLERIA DEL TEATRO ROMANO Città di Fiesole
Monica Giarrè idealizes with bright colors the vitality of the female universe and expresses the sensuality of woman through an analisys with significant symbolic elements.
Via Portigiani 34-36 Città di Fiesole (FI) Tel/Fax+39 055-599626 +39 328 6355360 www.galleriadelteatroromano.com info@galleriadelteatroromano.com
Enjoy it
Beyond Parks: Other Greens in Florence On my travels within Florence, I’ve seen a surprisingly small amount of green compared to that of my hometwon where there are fields of grass that cover the landscape for miles. my favoun is one of ee gr as , nd A have my I certainly rite colors, oking for the prettiest lo eyes peeled ter where I find no mat shades I can dant, these not as abun am. Though ow up in sh do n hues pleasing gree Florence: ar places in a few famili outdoor in s er d flow ns, in on plants an sig et various stre ies, ac markets, on m ar ph e on of th n ia al the bright ne It e th n stripe of ar in the gree m n ee gr the dark flag, and in , the omo. However(and u D e th ble of en se that I’ve most green kind my favorite , ly al nt in incide en be s green) ha of Florentine my food.
Photo b
y Hannah
Hassing
er
Spinach, broccoli, basil, pesto- fresh
and bright shades of green that instantly make my stomach
growl in anticipation of my fork reaching my lips to finally get my
pag 13
delicious dish down into my stomach. The sight of the beautiful greens on my plate sadly doesn’t last as long as my eyes would
like because my stomach simply won’t let the food sit pretty for too long. Though this was
a pre-existing problem, I have to say that
Italy’s greenery makes it even harder for my belly to resist.
Though the quantity of green compared to home may be different, the kind of green is very similar. The lush green of nature. Fresh veggies and herbs in Florence bring me the same kind of green that my more plentiful tints in the grass, corn stalks and flowers of my lawn do on my street. n pe of Italia end, this ty tle bit lit So, in the a e m g s to brin “verde” seem sil that is on e. The fresh ba closer to hom mind me of re uld co y an sc my plate in Tu r picked eswe flo e rit y favo the stem of m andfather’s gr y m e out of pecially for m es of green ad e multiple sh garden. Or th e think of m e ak m might a crisp in my pesto on n ee tones of gr the different from my gard ke uc pl ly sh cornstalk fre s of Florence turalistic color den. These na , and cities ies tr un inents, co connect cont pond right e blu a very large from across . rd ya ck ba into my own aul Kelsey Kuszm
pag 14
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Borgo Allegri 68R - Firenze Open: Tue. from 8.00 p.m. /00.00. am Wed./Sun. dalle 12.00 a.m. /00.00. am Monday only by reservation
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