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A new opening at Palazzo Strozzi is always a big affair, particularly this one as the show marks a return to the hallowed halls upstairs as opposed to showings solely in the courtyard and exterior. Equally notable is the subject matter, strengthening the bond between Americans and Florence at a time when both desire to be united. Over 80 artworks by 53 artists detail American society over four decades, delving into the political, social and cultural moments that marked those years, such as the Vietnam War and the 9/11 attack. The outstanding works come from The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and feature celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Louise Nevelson, Roy Lichtenstein and Cindy Sherman. From Pop Art to Minimalism, various techniques and media foreground art as a powerful tool for addressing topics such as consumerism, feminism, gender identity, racial issues and the struggle for civil rights.
The exhibition is linked to a project series titled
Relocated in which well-known works receive temporary new homes, engaging viewers in an entirely different viewing experience. Medici tapestries and the Chimera of Arezzo have also been innovatively placed as part of the initiative.
Director of The British Institute of Florence Simon Gammell commented I m delighted and frankly astonished to see the work in the Sala Leone X because it s almost like seeing it for the first time. It has a completely different resonance and affect in this contained cube of space as opposed to the open cloister of Santa Croce. It becomes far more intimate and, certainly for me, more powerful and more focused when framed in this space.
To Remember, To Listen will see Marisa Garreffa sit alone in the Sala Lungarno of The British Institute of Florence based in Palazzo Lanfredini, Lungarno Guicciardini, 9, patiently sewing together hundreds of pieces of paper and slowly creating a flowing sculptural form. It is a river of stories, and as she works, she listens to voices telling these and other stories. The tales told are of Florence during the pandemic, a year which has hurt us in so many ways, which has kept us apart, alone and sometimes despairing. Although we cannot touch, we can still share our thoughts and our dreams, our sadness and our moments of joy, our hopes and the dark comedy of life under lockdown. By sharing our emotions and experiences, and by listening to the stories of others, we can start to heal, as ourselves and for our communities in the beautiful though battered city to which we all connect and belong. The performance will take place from 2-9pm each day from May 17-23, livestreamed on The Br
Renaissance art historian
Paola Vojnovic’s Studiolo offers intimate and insightful interviews with arts and cultural figures that leave a lasting impression. Inspired by the Renaissance concept of a
studiolo (study), guests are welcomed virtually into the cozy space for all those fascinated by the Renaissance. Talks look at Florence, Venice (a masterclass on Venice is planned for June) and other Italian cultural centers. Upcoming sessions see William E. Wallace, author of
Michelangelo, God’s Architect; Gary Radke, who will speak about Rome’s “Two Michelangelo’s”; Ross King, author of the recently released
The Bookseller of Florence; Gert Jan van der Sman will speak about his book