NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 3 - YEAR 5 | PALAZZI/FUA | MAY 2015
SEARCHING FOR SAINTS SANTA RITA OF CASCIA: THE SAINT OF THE PEOPLE
by Jessie Chaffee Photos by the author
This issue's breaking news is dedicated to Jessie Chaffee and the wrapup of the Searching for Saints column. The Fulbright scholar and FUA Writer-in-Residence will conclude her 2015-2016 academic year at our campus this spring semester. We deeply thank Ms. Chaffee for two semesters of literary creativity, dedicated and inspiring advising for future writers, and her numerous contributions to the FUA academic community.
On May 22nd, the Basilica of Santa Rita in Cascia will be filled with roses, blessed in honor of the saint whose body is preserved there. Roses will also fill churches in Rome and Chicago, in Belém and Madrid, and here in Florence, where the Basilica of Santo Spirito will honor this saint of lost causes, of the impossible, of abused women and the heartbroken—embodies a kind of hope and resilience that has made her a true people’s saint, popular far beyond her small Umbrian town. Born in the late 14th century, Santa Rita wished to enter a convent as a child, but was instead force to marry a physically abusive man, with whom she lived for 18 years and had two sons, who also suffered her husband’s abuse. In spite of these impossible circumstances, Santa Rita
preached charity and forgiveness, and when her husband was murdered, she pardoned his killers and pleaded with her sons not to seek vengeance. She was ultimately allowed to enter an Augustinian convent in Cascia, where, like many of the female saints, she experienced ecstatic visions. In one of these mystical moments, Santa Rita received the wound of a thorn in her forehead, representing Christ’s crown of thorns. One of the miracles ascribed to Santa Rita occurred on her deathbed, when she asked a cousin to bring her a rose from her childhood garden. Though it was still winter, there was, indeed, a single rose in bloom. And so on her feast day, May 22nd, people will collect roses to remember this woman who offers protection from abuse, who promises hope where there is none, and for whom there is no such thing as a lost cause.
ART
DESIGN WEEK MILAN
by Claudia Munoz
To talk about Milan is to talk about design. Every April, Design Week turns Milan into a circus with open doors, inviting spectators to walk down the streets and into courtyards, each one turned into a pavilion with different exhibits about innovation. New surprises await behind every corner. The city talks about design without distrust or jealousy, the population density is duplicated, red carpets are rolled out. It's hard to tell if something is part of a moving or a performance, proving once again that Milan is still a design capital and spokesman for new tendencies and innovations. Located at the Rho Fiera complex just outside of the city center, the Salone del Mobile occupies the entire infrastructure. This year, the 52nd 2
edition, also featured Euroluce, a biennial lighting exposition of furniture and lighting design. The rest of the Salone is overwhelming. With iconic names such as Moroso, Flos, Kartell, Cappellini, Magis, and Poliform, to name a few, it requires discipline and constancy to walk through it all. At the Euroluce area, the nave was full of objects, conceptual installations, brands, products that will dictate the future trends in lighting design. Thanks to the display of new technologies and materials, this pavilion resembled a
proper stage production rather than a lighting exhibit. What visitors cannot miss at the Salone is the Salone Satellite, a space that hosts upcoming and emerging designers. The area was teeming with fresh, versatile, and bold design examples from independent studios looking for a break in the design world. Design Week is definitely an event of great magnitude, which allows Milan to open its doors in an extravaganza that combines design, innovation, fashion, celebrities, art, and tourism.
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
THE CURATOR’S CORNER: CLAUDIA SIMONELLI AND SANZEN Being student curators means that we are responsible for organizing and developing all aspects of the Ganzo art exhibitions. We meet and interview the artists to understand their artistic process and how they want their art to be displayed and perceived. This helps us develop a theme for the show and create a press release to inform the public about the exhibition. Next, we work with the FUA graphics office to create a catalog that contains the artist's biography, an introduction of the show, each piece of art with its title and dimensions, and the artist's thoughts about each piece. The day of the gallery opening, we take down the previous exhibition and mount all the new art. At the art opening we are responsible for introducing the artist and the exhibition. It is an amazing thing seeing people come to the show and enjoy the exhibition. The current exhibition, Non Places, is the photography of Claudia Simonelli, an Italian college student studying in Florence. Simonelli grew up in Lucca, Italy and attended an arts high school where she discovered her love of photography and graphic design. She is now studying product and communication design at ISIA in Florence. Her photography exhibition, Non Places, has been created using themes of perceptual and interpretive categories
by Alyssa Severe Photos by Ramzi Maalouf
which are based on what she calls "the impossibility of grasping reality." The categories of Simonelli's show are: balance, order, configuration, color, chaos, space, reduction, harmony, enigma, shape, light, paradox, and development. Each photo is unique. Simonelli has taken her photos all over the world and states that the inspiration for her work comes from her own life experience. Simonelli has been a great pleasure to work with and is truly inspiring to us because of her creative perspective, immense talent, and unique process of creating her photos. The series of photographs will be featured at Ganzo in Via de' Macci 85/r until May 12. On May 13, we will be presenting the FUA spring semester students' art. This exhibition will show the creative perspectives of the FUA students on Sanzen, the passage of knowledge between master and pupil. We invite you to Ganzo to meet the artists, enjoy the inspiring art, and try the delicious flavors of the studentprepared aperitivo. FUA Spring 2015 Student Curators: Michaela Bubier, Julia Ennis, Emily Junker, Jacqueline Krigbaum, Alyssa Severe.
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THE NEW NOVECENTO MUSEUM IN FLORENCE: ART AND HISTORY OF THE 20TH CENTURY
by Kelsey Petron, Brian Luchsinger, Bonnie Swartz Photo by the authors
With over 300 pieces and 15 exhibition areas, the Novecento Museum is devoted to preserving and displaying the Italian art of the 20th century.
Located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, in the ancient St. Paul Hospital, the museum considers this experience a journey from the beginning of the 20th century leading up to the 1990s, exhibiting Florence’s contemporary art. The museum consists of paintings, sculptures, videos, installations and documents which are placed chronologically. It is structured in the most effective and versatile way possible, including themes to create the most inviting experience for the visitor. There is also a study room, a cabinet for drawings and prints and a conference/ projection room that the public can take advantage of. Let’s not forget the multimedia incorporations of the 20th century which include sound devices and media halls. Climbing up the stairs to the second level, the museum constructs a historic feeling on one side of it. There is a sense of heritage “with evidence of historical events, of national and international appeal.” This begins in the 90’s and works its way down to the second half of the 70’s. On the other side, it develops the historical relation of “civic collections to the history of the city” with pieces from the 60’s and once again, working its way down to the beginning of the century. There is definitely an older, more formal touch to these pieces of art. As you wind through the hallways and corridors of the museum, detail and true talent bleed out of the works. According to the museum’s website, “Such an experience does not aim to offer an exhaustive story 4
of the artistic events of the Italian Twentieth century, but it does want to offer a critical cross-section on the ‘short century’ and its representation.” Novecento really expresses and maintains the works on free loan illustrating and the end of the century demonstrated Tuscan art scenes. The strategy of placing the works throughout the museum delicately pops out when the tour is finished. The birth of the institution was created and maintained by artists, collectors and authorities and granted on a free loan. The exhibits rotate collections of the donations from these generous artists and collectors. This is all “thanks to the plea the critic Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti made after the 1966 flood, including the prestigious collection of Alberto Della Ragione.” The museum also “tells” the history of the fashion industry and the birth of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Alberto Della Ragione collection. The museum concludes by offering a critical reflection on the idea of Florence in Cinema. The Novecento Museum is open to all of the public. It proposes opportunities to organize and host conferences, presentations, screenings and concerts. There are also guided visits, especially to schools of every grade. Museo Novecento Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 10 For visiting information: www.museonovecento.it/en/
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
FOOD
DOES THAT HAVE GLUTEN IN IT? A HEALTH-CONSCIOUS GUIDE TO FLORENCE
by Allison Schultz
Living in a city where you can literally eat fresh pasta, or pizza, or gelato for every meal may seem like an unbelievable heaven for the average student studying abroad here in Florence, Italy, but for the students here dealing with dietary restrictions, it may garner envy at first sight. Individuals diagnosed with Celiac’s disease, diabetes, lactose intolerance, or those whose lifestyle requires any other sort of diet must watch carefully what they eat. Contrary to its over-indulgent reputation, Florence’s traditional cuisine philosophy prioritizes using fresh, local, and seasonal foods - combined in simple recipes that enhance and highlight an ingredient’s natural flavor. Luckily, it is getting increasingly easier to find restaurants that are re-adopting this natural and simplistic foodphilosophy. Restaurants source their food from local farms and sustainable producers, selecting ingredients without preservatives and additives, and catering their menus to the diets of the modern diner. The following list contains only a small sample of restaurants in Florence that cater to even the most selective eaters: Ete Bistro (Via Faenza, 55r) Healthy, organic, and gluten-free bistro located near Santa Maria Novella and San Lorenzo Market. Veggy Bar (Via dei Servi, 8R) Vegetarian friendly with lots of salad options and freshpressed juices. Panino Vegano (Via Maurizio Bufalini, 19r) For those who have been craving a revolutionized taste of American food in the heart of Florence, this ethically founded vegan hamburger and sandwich shop serves up dishes that are 100% gluten free, 100% vegetarian, 100% cruelty-free, and 100% cholesterol-free.
Miso Di Riso Bistro (Borgo degli Albizi, 54) Considered a ‘bio-bistro,’ the menu is full of vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, and raw food options (and they also have a great selection of Yogi Teas!). Le Vespe (Via Ghibellina, 76) This café sits as a hidden gem right outside the busy Santa Croce square. Offering local, biological, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, they have delicious smoothies, soy milk coffees to-go, and quinoa; all the requirements needed to create a healthy-food lovers paradise. Gelateria Della Passera (Piazza della Passera, 15) Lactose-free gelato options, and even one made with almond milk, this gelateria on the other side of the river is a lactosefree heaven. There are many more places in Florence that provide nutritious and customizable dining for diets of all varieties. If all else fails, try asking for a dish, “senza (insert forbidden food here)”. Senza, meaning ‘without’ in Italian, is a good word to know if you need to customize your meal at a restaurant that does not advertise being gluten-free, etc. On top of everything else, take advantage of the abundant fresh food markets, enjoy local Tuscan produce and specialties, and be grateful you are living in a city that is known for having some of the best and freshest food choices in the entire world.
Photo by Lauren Fromin
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CITY CENTER AUTHENTIC: LE MOSSACCE
by Emily Purcell
Walking around central Florence, almost every restaurant and café boasts an authentic Italian experience, in an attempt to draw in tourists in any way possible. So how, then, do you find a truly authentic experience? One trattoria providing a genuine experience even in the city center bustling with tourists - is Le Mossacce. After entering the restaurant, its true Italian nature is apparent in its small size and intimate atmosphere, which could not be conducive to large groups of tourists. First course dishes like ravioli, lasagne, and tagliatelle offer recognizable options to patrons, but may be served in a less recognizable way. The lasagne, for example, is not prepared in the American-Italian casserole style a customer might expect, but instead includes pasta covered in a creamy tomato sauce.
Second course offerings include a wide variety of dishes, from universal ones like roasted chicken, to more traditional meals like trippa alla fiorentina - a boiled cow’s stomach very popular with locals. Another unique choice is the involtini - a dish that can be dated back to ancient Rome - is made by veal cutlets rolled and stuffed with vegetables and cheese. Le Mossacce’s version includes artichoke and, though it is a dish popular across all central Italy, Le Mossacce serves theirs with the Tuscan spin - creamy tomato sauce. In addition to the first and second courses, a variety of sides and vegetables are offered, including white
TRATTORIA MARIO: A FLORENTINE INSTITUTION Consistency is a word of value and praise in the food world and one of the highest compliments which can be paid to an eating establishment. So, if one is on the hunt for an eatery which serves up consistently excellent food for a fair price they need look no further than Trattoria Mario. Located at Via Rosina, 2R in the heart of Florence’s San Lorenzo neighborhood, Mario’s has been serving regional dishes for the last 63 years. There is nothing pompous about this trattoria. The atmosphere is simple, decorated with small tables and stools. The service is straightforward and, if you come alone, you are crammed into any available spot. Open from noon to 3:30 Monday through Saturday, Mario’s serves only lunch and once you manage to get inside and sit it becomes very clear why the eatery only needs three and a half hours of operating time. The small trattoria is jam packed with foreign tourists and locals, all of whom are eagerly waiting for their food. The menu is nothing more than a sheet of brown paper with the dishes of the day scribbled down in pencil, and though it changes daily, certain dishes, such as ribollita, zuppa di farro, zuppa di fagoli, and tagliatelle al ragù remain 6
beans and roasted vegetables. To pair with your meal, Le Mossacce’s Chianti is served as the table wine. The DOCG wine is unassuming enough to pair well with almost any dish, but still provides good flavor and body. Coffees and a few desserts such as milllefoglie are available to end the meal on a sweet note.
Trattoria Le Mossacce Via del Proconsolo, 55r Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Saturdays and holidays www.trattorialemossacce.it
by Ryan Cashman
constant. Fish is served on Friday, with Italian staples like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and baccalà (salt cod smothered in oil and tomato sauce) are served. The spaghetti alle vongole is a perfect option for anyone who is looking for a light lunch. Served in a bowl and swimming in a broth of clam juice and white wine, the dish tastes of the sea. Seated on top of the expertly cooked al dente pasta are the vongole, the small clams which have been steamed open and mixed in with the white wine broth. Once you are finished the wait staff kindly, but quickly, rushes you to the register and out the door so they can seat the next patron. Once you’ve gone it is easy to see why Trattoria Mario is so popular amongst both tourists and locals alike - it is a straightforward, no nonsense institution that serves quality food for a quality price.
Trattoria Mario Via Rosina, 2 Open for lunch daily, closed on Sundays and holidays www.trattoria-mario.com
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
COLORS
TRAVEL by Andrea Portanova
A watercolor of lavenders and blues. The kind of gray-white that makes you want to stay in bed. Blissful, blissful blue. A deep navy that grows deeper, as the quiet streets grow quieter. Orange and purple smoldering as they fade. Textured puffs of pink and gray among the fading day’s light.
THE FACES OF SAN MINIATO
Height - Isolation
by Maggie Schutz
Byzantine -House of Prayer 7
Fortress - Protection
Eternal steps
Loss
History
Hope
A WALK TO THE PONTE VECCHIO by Victoria Marino
olive water
bone sculls
chestnut horse
mahogany treasure chest citrus façade
mint shutters
fool’s gold cupola
metallic pigeons
cotton candy sky
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crimson fleur-de-lis
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
FASHION
FLORENTINE MICROFASHION: CHILDRENSWEAR
by Lindsay Keaton Photos by the author
In a city as fashionable as Florence, the trendsetting does not stop with the grownups. A term popularly coined as “microfashion” is flourishing in the Italian streets as young children don the most stylish outfits and have an impressively wide variety of stores to shop at. High-end fashion brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Armani are catering towards these fashion-forward tots with entirely separate stores and extensive collections. We can accredit this trend to Armani for being the first one to create a juniors line in the early 1980s. Since then, children’s wear has branched off into its own market. Patrizia Pepe is an increasingly popular Florentine brand that has followed suit by creating a “Bambina” line for young girls. The 2015 spring/ summer line features bright colors, easily interchangeable pieces and fun silhouettes. Similarly, Ermanno Scervino offers a juniors line with a classic look and a fun take on the current trends in womenswear. To add to the red-hot market that is children's clothing, every January and June in Florence, Pitti Bimbo takes over the Fortezza da Basso. This is a children’s fashion fair of epic proportions. Some 445 exhibitors are listed on the website offering everything a mini fashionista and fashionisto will ever need in their artillery. Much like the Fashion Weeks for adult garments, Pitti Bimbo acts as an all-encompassing exposition for all things children's wear. Runway shows take place, as well as exhibits, pop-up shops, and various events. This is a business opportunity for buyers and press alike to pick up on the latest trends and stock their stores for the upcoming seasons. Popular children's wear shops around Florence can be found all
over. For modern and edgy ready-to-wear and accessories, Cup of Milk is the place to go. Located on Borgo Pinti, the store features alternative Scandanavian brands for your stylish minime. More classic styles can be found in traditional Florentine ateliers such as Baroni, Assunta Anichini, and a personal favorite amongst Florence's local high-class shoppers, Loretta Caponi. However, no matter where you're shopping for that little fashion king or queen, popular themes throughout all children's wear shops are bright spring colors, classic navy and white stripes, dressed-up sportswear, and silhouettes similar to the adult counterparts.
SHOPPING ON A BUDGET: SPRINGTIME FASHION IN FLORENCE
by Chandler Viox Photo by the author
Every Tuesday, bright and early at 7 a.m., vendors set up shop in Parco delle Cascine along the Arno, selling a variety of items from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes, fine china and fabric. Mercato delle Cascine is a great place to search and find spring fashion; a seemingly endless amount of shoes, purses, accessories and clothing are available. While browsing through the market this past Tuesday, I found some fantastic deals every fashionista in Florence would appreciate! If you are looking for cheaper pair of chic shoes, look no further. Majority of the shoes available
are under 20 euro, though occasionally you’ll find a more expensive pair. The shoes look like the selection you would find in boutiques around Florence; adorable boots, flats, pumps, heels and sandals are available to purchase. Also, the market offers a great selection of clothes and accessories; from basic clothing essentials such as tank tops, black trousers and sweaters to tribal printed flowy pants, joggers and crop
tops! A large variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings were also available, along with belts, purses and wallets. Some vendors were even offered a selection of designer clothing, including Max Mara. Clothing items and accessories were being sold for as cheap as five and ten euro. Below you can find some of my favorite springtime essentials found at Mercato delle Cascine! 9
These brown leather boots would be great for any season, they pair perfectly with jeans, shorts, or even maxi dresses! Pair these shoes with a brown leather purse and a large sun hat and you have the ultimate spring time outfit! Platform sneakers are a huge trend this
year! On top of giving us short people an extra inch or two (woo!), these sneakers will bring spring and summer vibes into any outfit. Pair these floral sneakers with a sundress to have a casual but cute warm weather ensemble. Sunglasses are one of my favorite
accessories, so look no further than Mercato delle Cascine to find your perfect pair. Vendors were selling some of the hottest styles from tortoise shell cat eye sunglasses to mirrored aviators and John Lennon inspired round frames.
STUDENT VOICE
FABBRICA EUROPA UPCOMING EVENTS
by Emma Adams Photos courtesy of Fabbrica Europa
Piacere di conoscervi! My name is Emma Adams and this semester I’ve been having a blast interning with Fabbrica Europa, a Florentine organization which hosts an annual summer festival of international performing artists. Working alongside other interns from Italy and France, it’s been my job to try and make the festival more accessible for English-speakers. So far, this has meant doing everything from creating the facebook page “American in Florence” to translating press materials to taking selfies with clay hogs. (Guess which part has been my favorite?) About to commence its 22nd season, this year Fabbrica Europa opens Thursday, May 7th and runs through July 3rd. From its conception, Fabbrica Europa has faced a challenging feat: Becoming a hub for artistic collaboration and innovation in a city that has historically been weighted by the preservation of the past. After living in Florence for almost three months, have you felt this weight too? Included in this year’s breath of fresh air will be a ballet performed in loungewear, African electronica, a play based on historical tribulations of Armenia, a calebasse player and, believe it or not, a musical performance simulating an assembly line. Each 10
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2015
performance seeks to redefine its genre, inventing, playing and never stagnating. Included in Fabbrica Europa’s opening programme is the national premiere of ZAP by Korea’s Lee Hee-Moon Company, a hybrid of contemporary theatre, music, dance and Asiatic tradition (9pm, May 7-8th at Stazione Leopolda). The pieces I’m probably most excited about are three modern dance pieces being performed by Aterballeto (9pm on May 12th, Stazione Leopolda) and Pupilla by Valeria Magli and DanceHaus Company (9pm, May 12th at Teatro Cantiere Florida). This year we’re offering major student discounts if you dance your student ID over to the box office at Via delle Carceri 1, and regular tickets and festival passes can be snagged through Boxol. And definitely check out the rest
of the Fabbrica Europa calendar for events happening this spring until the beginning of July. See you there, cari!
ARRIVING TO THE CADENCE “Clair de Lune” has followed me ever since I was in high school. It is a song that has woven its way to the fabrics of my being. I have performed this piano piece multiple times, listened to recordings, and simply played it for myself. As I near the end of my semester abroad, I realize how similar this experience has been to music. I have faced a culmination of emotions while also being called to examine my own ideas and beliefs. Music can take a listener outside of comfort and monotony the same way leaving home and routines calls a person to see the invisible strings of life. Developing a rhythm takes time, but once the performer and listener become familiar with the piece, it is easy to follow the melody. In order to emphasize a different beat, music’s time signature will change. Similarly, I found various events abroad redirecting my attention. In stressful moments I was called to assertion and in mundane moments, such as seeing three elderly women laughing and talking, I was pulled towards reflection. Recently I started going to different places in Florence with “Clair de Lune.” I sit and listen, observing old sites from new directions. I took the song to the Bardini Gardens, the Rose Garden, and the Boboli Gardens. From heights I stared at the still buildings and moving birds. Even the trees seemed to be
Fabbrica Europa: fabbricaeuropa.net/en Ticket Office: www.boxol.it
by Maggie Schutz
listening to my music. The natural rhythm that I struggled to find in my first weeks in Florence moved easily to the song. The buildings also seemed to have different faces, ones that are now familiar but not completely comprehensible. On trips outside of Florence, I listened to “Clair de Lune” as scenes flashed before the train and bus windows. The gathering speed and blurred visions matched the building anticipation of the song, while the slowing pace near arrivals resembled the song’s ending. The places also gave new insights to the song I have heard so many times, old ideas blending with new emotions. I always feel bittersweet towards the end of a song. The resolution was well earned, but the ending seems too soon. I don’t want the sounds to evaporate into silence; yet, if I only listen to the climax of the piece I do not gain the same satisfaction. It is the process of travelling across the music that makes me love “Clair de Lune.” I am sad to leave Florence, but if I don’t I will never experience the sweetness of the cadence. I made myself vulnerable the way I do when I perform music. I am proud of my resolutions even if attaining those moments means the conclusion. Endings are hard for me, but I know my life in Florence will not disappear from existence; it will continue in the way of a song. Though the memories have set beginnings and ends, the interpretations still maintain the power to change and have fresh meaning. The songs of memories never leave us. We just have to listen. 11
BLENDING NEWSLETTER
REDAZIONE / MASTHEAD
Supplemento di / Supplement to Blending Magazine
Direttore Responsabile /
Reg. Trib. di Firenze n째 5844 del 29 luglio 2011
Editor in chief
Anno 5 - Numero 3 - Maggio 2015
Matteo Brogi
Year 5 - Issue 3 - May 2015 Caporedattore / Editore / Publisher
Editorial Director
Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore
Grace Joh
Via Alfonso Lamarmora, 39 50121 Firenze
Coordinamento Editoriale / Managing Editor
Sede editoriale /
Federico Cagnucci
Blending is a newsletter created
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with and for students of Florence
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