Issuu

Hippocrene

Vol. I. 2023/24

Istituto Marangoni

Milan

Hippocrene

Noun, Literary

(Hi • po • crene | \Hi-pǝ-krē-nē)

1. Used to refer to poetic or literary inspiration

2. Greek Mythology - a fountain on Mount Helicon, sacred to the Muses: its waters inspire poets

Hip•po•crene

Foreward

IM Hippocrene - a magazine powered by the creative minds of Istituto Marangoni Milan's students. With a vibrant mix of art and literature, our magazine showcases the diverse talents and boundless imagination of our student community.

IM Hippocrene is more than just a publication; it is a dynamic platform designed to foster connections and build a sense of community among our students. Our mission is to create a web of networks, allowing students to engage with one another, share their work, and form meaningful collaborations.

Within our digital pages, you will discover a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, from captivating visual art and photography to thought-provoking essays and poetry. Our magazine serves as a canvas for the students' creativity, offering them a voice and a space to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

We believe that art and literature have the power to transcend boundaries, bridge gaps, and ignite conversations. IM Hippocrene acts as a vibrant hub, where inspiration and creativity flow freely.

Sava Alexandra Elizabeta

The Self Portrait

This year's theme, "The Self Portrait," invites contributors to delve into the depths of self-expression and identity. It's an exploration of who we are, beyond the surface, capturing the essence of our experiences, emotions, and individuality. Whether through visual art, writing, or any other creative medium, "The Self Portrait" challenges you to reflect on your personal journey and present it in a way that resonates with others. It's not just about depicting a physical likeness; it's about conveying the story, thoughts, and feelings that define you. This theme encourages a deeper connection with oneself and a powerful sharing of those insights with our community, creating a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives and expressions.

Giulia Gaiati '25

SUIT(e)d

In the past, a suit was tailored fine, For men, a symbol of strong design, with sharp lapels and structured lines, it marked the realm where power aligns.

But times have changed, and so have we, the suit, no longer bound by decree, now graces women, bold and free, in boardrooms, courts, and on the street.

Te suit, ecno ngis fo m e n ’s diamo n , Nwo s kaep s fo tshtgner , ujton s t i n n a m e, For women wear it, justthesame, I n grace an dpower, t hey reclaim.

From corsets tight and skirts that swayed, to trousers sharp and jackets made, women rise in suits displayed, in every hue and every shade.

Luísa Tietbohl

Raupp '24

I am 25.0330° N, 121.5654° E (Taiwan)

but I am also 40.7128° N, 74.0060° W (New York) and 45.4642° N, 9.1900° E (Milan).

My name is Cynthia Chang. Born in the East, my origin is one of great culture and heritage, saturated with traditional Taiwanese food like 牛肉麵 (beef noodle soup), family holidays in the paddy fields of the southeast, and the taste of the ocean at TaiTung, Taiwan (台東, 台灣).

Cynthia Chang '24

My journey between culture and religion began in the Buddhist temple on the 5th floor of my grandparents’ building. Since then, I have always wanted to discover the purest cultural definitions of Taiwan—in fashion, history, and most importantly, myself.

Embodying multiple cultures has been a long journey throughout my life. Starting from the traditional society and culture of Taiwan, to the vibrant street cultures and freedom-chasing lifestyle of New York City, and then to the historical Christian city of Milan, Italy. All these cultures and experiences have inspired me in every perspective and shaped the person I am and aspire to be.

You know what I think about you. You are not the best for me, but this is only your beginning. You believe in luck a lot but forget that you make your own.

I know that your mind is too complicated; it blocks you. I know how nervous you are about the fact that you still don’t know me, still don’t know how to be me, to act like me, or to think like me.

You say that no matter how hard you try to be special in your ways, you cannot be, because you are human, and everyone has been. I know what bothers you the most: It’s me. How much you want to know about me! Leave me alone! I am here, and I’ll be here for you at

every moment of sadness. But don’t be sad, and don’t look for me too much—you will lose your way one day because it is dark in here.

So let me... Let me come to you.

The road is long, and I walk with slow steps, but don’t lose your patience. Look for other things.

I’ll stay here. You will know me at any moment of yours. Every choice of yours is mine.

See... I am you, and you are me.

-Kiara Musabelliu

'26

Kiara Musabelliu '26

Te Creep

Te stars are out

_________________________________quiet & still. She is invisible tonight _____seen only _______by those who see ghosts.

_______Silent sequins in window reflections.

________ Transparent splashes a crystalline veneer.

______ Gliding clouds worn as a crown.

______Veering traffic veins from the heart.

________Flickering lights spark Romantic dates ____in candlelit garrets. Glassy eyes mirror-like ____staring back, like empty swimming pools

- Teresa Christine Perich Frankovich '25

Always labeled as cold and colorless, keeping my true essence hidden. you cannot contain your emotions for long, and sooner or later they will come out, letting your true self out." this is a letter from the me of the present telling the me of the past to stop hiding behind the color black, which has always characterized her, and to let her true nature be seen without fear.

- Camilla Caccialanza ’23

Here,inthis realm of half-light , I embody both the dreamer shrouded in night andthe realist rooted in the obscured earth, reaching for distant , starless skies, constructing myascent , shadow by shadow.

One a chaser of the enigmatic and profound, the other a seeker in the quiet abyss. Mypulse resonates with the rhythm of hidden worlds, a dance of life's unseenfaces, the interplay of risk and sanctuary, dream and stark reality

. - Lorenzo Landini ’24

Ximena Fernandez Ochoa '25

As the leaves fall, we rise. Everything has a start and an end.

We put threads on our plates, making our destinies collide —or at least, that's what we thought on the first day. We chose to be here or somewhere else,

Alisa Kesikli '25

but today, I'm here with your ends, keeping a smile for someone who cares.

- Khal Munt '25

A woman who expresses her naked truth through poetry.

A white swan who adorns perfect femininity, yet masculine characteristics fearless and always in white feathers represent vulnerable and black accents eyes mirror the darkest soul. A nostalgic mood serves to someone perpetually lost inner world, daydreaming about the past.

adorns herself with yet possesses masculine characteristics - independent, control. The represent courage to be accents around the darkest depths of her serves as an ode someone perpetually lost in her own daydreaming past.

Romanticizing her story. Imagining her little life as monumental. Forever a slave to her fantasies.

Always labeled as cold and colorless, I kept my true essence hidden. You cannot contain your emotions for long, and sooner or later, they will emerge, letting your true self be seen.

Fotova

This is a letter from the me of the present, telling the me of the past to stop hiding behind the color black, which has always characterized you, and to let your true nature be seen without fear.

- Camilla Caccialanza '26

Sirakarn Kraiprasit

Dana Lysenko

Ximena Fernandez Ochoa '24

Tatiana Grach '25

Laurine Forget

Lorenzo Landini '24

Tara Zaeemi '25

Margherita Budroni '23

Alisa Kesikli

Hippocrene From The Editors

Our editorial team has diligently pieced together this collection, ensuring that every work aligns with our introspective theme. This meticulous process, from the initial selection to the final proofread, reflects our commitment to the integrity and quality of our publication.

Through this theme, we continue to build a strong sense of community, celebrating the diverse and intricate stories that compose our vibrant student body.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this edition. Your creativity and dedication shine through each page. A special acknowledgment goes to our mentors and the administration of Istituto Marangoni for their support.

We hope you appreciate the diversity and depth of talent within our community. Together, we celebrate the enduring power of creativity to tell our stories.

Lorenzo Landini - President '24