modern art, firenze style

There is certainly no shortage of wonderful art and architecture in Florence, including museums housing an amazing array of Medieval and Renaissance masterworks - Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus among them.  That said, there isn't generally a lot to see when it comes to modern art.  A couple of weeks ago though, Florence was treated to the second annual incarnation of Florens.  This is a multi-format event that seeks to explore the relationship between culture and quality of life.  The idea that local art, fashion, food, wine, literature, craftsmanship, etc. can ultimately enhance the economy and the lives of a city's residents.  Essentially they're promoting "made in Italy".  And why not?

The two most prominent displays connected with Florens 2012 were both massive Modern Art installations that literally took over two of the city's most visited piazza's.  I love modern art and design....but particularly when it's placed in an unexpected, especially traditional setting.  So as you can imagine, these installations were right up my ally.

Marble slabs forming the "T" of the cross with Basilica di Santa Croce behind.

Sandro, Elly and I joined some friends on opening day to check out these temporary additions to our adopted city.  The first was in Piazza Santa Croce.  This art installation started by blanketing the entire piazza with chips of white marble that looked like snow.  The artists then placed massive marble slabs of all shapes and sizes into the form of a cross (from a bird's eye view) in front of the 15th Century Basilica.  Incorporated into the marble placement were other forms rendered in molded plastic...and in the background was the beautiful marble facade of Basilica Santa Croce. 

A molded plastic ring sits atop a marble slab, echoing the circular forms within the Basilica's facade

Looking down from the top of the cross.  A lone facial form gazes out at the Basilica.

As a designer, marble is one of my favourite materials.  I've used it in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.  I love the dynamic nature of the veining and of the patina that develops over time and use.  In this installation, the combinations of raw and rendered shapes, scale, veining and colours was truly breathtaking.  The best part though, was the interactive nature of the exhibit; inviting people to touch, climb, perch, and even scribble amongst the slabs.

A sculpted marble figure towers above the crowd

Of course, nothing in Italy is complete without a little pomp and circumstance.... and as it was opening day, we were treated to a Renaissance style festival band - the highlight of the day for Elly!

Trumpets, flags, marching -- can't get much better for a 2-1/2 year old!

Elly looking after Daddy -- guess she thought it all might be too loud for his old ears ;)

The second Florens art piece was installed right in Florence's Piazza del Duomo surrounding the Baptistry in front of Brunelleschi's Duomo.  Florence is often critiqued for it's lack of greenery and green space within the city centre.  This piece brought a century-old olive grove right into the urban landscape.  70 trees were potted in huge white cubes and placed in a checker board pattern around the piazza.  This installation seemed so at home here that it could have gone unnoticed and in truth, I still miss it when I walk past the Duomo!

The Duomo facade complete with olive trees - such a natural addition.

Twisted trunks of the olive trees - just beautiful!

 As much as I love the juxtaposition that can be created between the modern and traditional in a space, one element that I believe every space needs is a touch of nature.  This is what brings a space to life.  I walk past the Piazza del Duomo every day and had never realised how flat it seemed until I saw these beautiful trees in place.  As a Canadian, I realise how lucky we are to have such ready access to the natural world!

The trees brought a sense of natural grounding to all of the marble and stone in Florence's centre

There may be things I miss occasionally about my home country, but I can't deny that greenery or not, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a true commitment to preserving and furthering it's artistic community.  A good friend who is about to return home with his wife daughter after three months in the city put it perfectly...

...looking over the bridge of the Arno on a still fall night, with lights of the city and churches reflecting on the river's glassy surface....I came here with two gals in my heart, and I leave with three....Bellla Italia, you will be missed. 

T. Finnern

Sunset on the Arno after a lovely afternoon in our Art City