NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 8 - YEAR 4 | PALAZZI / FUA | DECEMBER 2014

NEWSLETTER

INNER COSMOS: A PERMANENT ART COLLECTION FOR FUA

by Blending Staff

Corso Tintori’s scenic building has served often as a location for international artists, thanks to the unique mix of contemporary details transposed to the historic environment of Palazzo Bombicci Pontelli Guicciardini Strozzi. The recent acquisition of Salomon’s paintings follows the November 2014 opening of the exhibition Inner Cosmos in occasion of the FUA and SUNY Stony Brook-hosted

Genius Loci academic conference, where Salomon introduced the concept of inhabiting inner worlds and movements through her work. FUA highly anticipates the opportunity to share Salomon’s works on a permanent basis and the collection will generate new initiatives including a collection presentation and catalog revision as the experiential basis for Spring 2015 gallery studies students.

The recently featured paintings by Nicoletta Salomon will become a part of the Corso Tintori FUA main campus as a permanent collection.

Photos by Spencer Sisselman

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About the artistNicoletta Salomon teaches for the Fine Arts and Journalism departments at FUA. Her complex profile includes the roles of philosopher, painter, author, and translator in her professional career.She is represented by the Immaginaria Arti Visive Gallery (Florence-Berlin) and her works are also present in numerous private collections.She lives and works in Florence.

At the end of October, I traveled north to Torino for the Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre conference. Founded in 1996, this biannual event brings together producers, farmers, chefs, journalists, activists, and visitors from all over the world to share products and knowledge and to discuss ethical issues in food production and consumption. The conference center was filled with over 200,000 people. It was filled with food and wine. And it was filled with stories. Every booth in the vast exhibit halls—be it dedicated to almonds from Puglia, mortadella from Abruzzo, or figs from Tuscany—had its own story. The producers are committed to Slow Food and so the individual narratives of the products people are invited to taste are essential. Every element of cultivation and production plays a vital role—from the soil the olive trees spring from to the hands that harvest the grapes to the treatment of the animals who provide the milk. The stories continued in the panels and tasting workshops, for which each participant was given a headset—as we listened to the panelists, translators tucked into booths enabled us to listen in our language of choice. As a result, we were all able to engage in an international dialogue about the history and the future of food.On one panel, Carlo Petrini—founder, president, and galvanizing force of Slow Food—discussed ways for combatting world hunger. “What constitutes happiness?” he asked near the end of the

conversation. “How can we cultivate it?” For him, happiness is an action—it is fighting to ease the suffering of others, and doing so with a spirito gioioso—a joyful spirit. Happiness, like the production of Slow Food, is relational; it exists only in our connection to others and the narratives that emerge from those connections.I found echoes of this idea when I attended a tasting workshop dedicated to the Lambrusco di Sorbara, produced by Vincenzo Venturelli on his small vineyard north of Modena. A professor of physics and mathematics by trade and inspired solely by his passion for wine, Professor Venturelli does not sell his Lambrusco, but shares it with friends and family. We had the opportunity to try five of his wines, and each label was beautifully painted and personal. The story behind the final vintage embodied the notion of Slow Food—and, perhaps, the patience required for any kind of artistic production. Made from grapes harvested in 1979, this Lambrusco took its time. The wine was never good, Professor Venturelli explained, until decades later when it suddenly came to fruition. He named it “Before Lucia Was Born,” in honor or his daughter. Before Lucia Was Born. It is such a lovely way to think about one’s existence—not in dates or ages, but relationally, the milestone markers rooted in the people who enter our lives. It was a beautiful moment, and I sipped this final wine slowly, grateful to be included in the narrative.

Photos by the author

Fulbright Scholar Jessie Chaffee is working with Florence University of the Artsas the writer-in-residence while conducting research for her novel.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR

Finding Stories atthe Salone del Gusto

by Jessie Chaffee

Photo courtesy of Nicoletta Salomon

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2014

REDISCOVERINGTHE SISTINE CHAPEL Illustration cortesy of etc.usf.edu

by Megan Seldon

I remember one particular case of this “museum head.” Visiting Rome with my family as a fifth grader, my parents were trying to squeeze as many landmarks and paintings and historical sites into one day. Bribing us with the allure of a work that we were all familiar with and could look forward to, my siblings and I were tiredly stumbling our way through Vatican Museum artifacts when we saw a sign pointing towards the Sistine Chapel. This was it. I’m not sure how many siblings participated, but delirious from having looked at one exhibit too many, at least my brother and I

took off running. Following the signs, we would slow to a quick walk as we entered rooms with other tourists, stifling our giggles as we played our perverse game of lava, trying not to get caught or into trouble, running full tilt to the one piece of art we might actually recognize at such a young age. I don’t remember too much of that actual viewing of The Sistine Chapel, other than knowing that I saw it, but I was fortunate enough to go back once more on a high school trip to Europe. Although we were still attempting to see as much as possible

in a very short time frame, I can recall the sense of anticipation and excitement of seeing the chapel. We had studied the ceiling and Michelangelo’s Last Judgement in our after school class, if only briefly, but with the knowledge of its significance and the memory of my first experience at the

chapel I couldn’t wait to see it again and really be able to enjoy it. I

loved it. Neck craning upward amongst throngs of tourists

and amidst a group of my friends I had a

brief love

affair with the artwork of Michelangelo. It was a tragic love affair though. My 6”2’ friend had tried to take a photo causing himself and the handful of people around him to be escorted out of the hall; I being one of them.We sat just beyond the hall doors waiting for our classmates, listening to muted voices and that quiet echoing thud of hundreds of tourists’ shuffling footsteps just beyond. I ultimately snuck back in for one final moment with the paintings as other classmates exited through the same doors we had been forced through.

I was looking forward to seeing these paintings again on a collegiate class field trip to Rome, having studied Michelangelo with immense detail in a graduate level course, knowing so much more about the process of creating the frescoes and the development of Michelangelo’s technique and style from the beginning to the end of the process of painting the ceiling. It would have been great to compare the size of figures from the first phase of the paintings to the third and final, to see the way the Libyan Sybil interacts with the space in a completely

different way than the Delphic Sybil in person.   It made sense though for our group to go to some of the many free churches that Rome has to offer and that are filled with equally great paintings and relatively few tourists. As much as I was disappointed that I could not enjoy the Vatican maze of my previous childhood games and see the Sistine chapel again, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have already seen it twice and to have the freedom to go back another weekend, dedicating as much time as I please to that one sole ceiling in Rome.

My uncle calls it “museum head”, that feeling after hours in a museum in whichthe air has become heavy and it seems impossible to retain any more knowledge from the little placards in front of you. Every object you look at becomes increasingly similar to the one before as you work to trudge through the rest of the exhibit.

ART

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Participating in an Experiential Learning program this fall as an intern at Corridoio Fiorentino, FUA’s photography and design gallery, has been incredible. With the help and guidance of my advisor, Professor Giulio Vinci, I have gained important professional experience in a gallery setting by assisting with the planning and installation of exhibitions. In addition to the exhibitions, I also had the opportunity to be involved with the organization of the Genius Loci: Florence and Galileo academic

conference hosted by FUA and SUNY Stony Brook on November 7th and 8th. This unexpected project allowed me to be a part of managing logistics for a large-scale event and increased my experience in the field of event planning. Though these tasks and events were an integral part of my internship, engaging with the people of FUA was by far the most rewarding aspect of the program. Because of my role at Corridoio Fiorentino, I was able to interact with students and faculty artists as they

created their works, allowing me to see their individual creative processes and the product of their efforts. I spoke with students about how they seek sources of inspiration, learned from the faculty about the behind-the-scenes work that makes FUA’s programs possible and even practiced my Italian with friendly and patient staff members. I had known and loved FUA before, but this experience changed my relationship to the school and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE MOSTRE by Lillie Strudthoff

When I left Florence in May 2013 after spending a wonderful semester studying at FUA, I knew I would return to Italy at some point in my life.What I did not know, however, is that only a year and a half later,I would once again find myself in Florence and at FUA.

Photos by Giulio Vinci

Photos by Emily Madigan

La Via del Tè in fact has three locations throughout the city to meet your teatime needs in the most convenient way. A personal favorite is the one located on the Oltrarno side at Palazzo Frescobaldi via di S.Spirito, 11. When you walk in you can smell the refreshing aromas of the 280 different types of tea displayed along the walls, accompanied by beautiful flower arrangements and glowing candles. Each room of the rather large teashop is decorated differently, in its own perfect way. There is also a small patio outside, to

suit any preferences. Choosing which room to sit in is the easiest decision you will have to make upon your visit. The menu is filled with all sorts of teas such as various fruits, floral flavors,

LA VIA DEL TÈFOOD

by Danielle Iannetta

In a city full of delicious espresso, cappuccini, and latte art it may seem impossible to find anything else. However, with a bit of whimsical exploring, you will soon find that Florence is filled with hidden teashop gems.

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2014

Photos by Neal Johnson

moods, world regions, seasons, and much more. There are ones for lovers like Romeo e Giulietta, dreamers, travelers, or personally “Just For Me.”  Amongst the lists of infusions are adorable quotes like,

“È strano come una teiera possa rappresentare allo stesso tempo il conforto della solitudine e il piacere della compagnia.”

“Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasure of company”- Zen haiku

This quote is fitting for any experience at La Via de Tè, whether you are surrounded by friends, or enjoying some time to yourself. That’s also the great thing about tea, no matter what flavor you choose, it always seems to have a way of putting you at ease. The ambiance of the teashop will also provide you with this sensation.It’s great for a quick bite to eat, choosing any of the scrumptious finger sandwiches to pair with your tea, or for a moment to relax and unwind, a time to catch up with friends, or to simply appreciate the joys of Florence!

This independent bookstore, located at Via Camaldoli 10R, beckons the slightly eccentric individuals with the new age style readings scattered throughout the shop. Tables and bookshelves hold paperbacks of poetry and philosophy, publications of off-the-wall subjects such as Russian Criminal Tattoos and

even wayward astrology booklets. A small bar located to the left side of the cafe is a wonderful place to grab a cheap coffee or glass of vino before settling in for a nice time with friends. Although it lacks in creative ambiance, the overall feel of the shop provides a safe haven for small discussions

BLACK SPRING: HOME FOR THE PECULIAR INTERESTS

by Taylor Davis

At first glance Black Spring looks like nothing more than another Italian entryway nestled in the more local part of Florence across the Arno. But once discovered, the book and coffee shop welcomes the wayward traveler with its use of open space and eye-catching décor.

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between good friends and open space for group meetings. The walls are decorated with art deco posters, paintings and photographs, and a few book chandeliers hang near the doorway. The open space could potentially allow for art gallery occasions, poetry readings or even small parties.

Black Spring, although not one of Florence’s most popular cafes, provides a nice hideaway for the quirky creative type and the promise of interesting reads and a new experience seems to be the catalyst for venturing there; but the potential of the tiny shop will only be truly measured by time.

La Cité Libreria Caféby Taylor Davis

A favorite among the locals, La Cité is another book and coffee shop across the Arno River. With its large windows and colorful décor, this café is bursting with creative energy, producing pure genius from even the most blocked artists. Books cover the establishment in both English and Italian print, local artist's paintings hang on the walls and a range of musical tastes play round the clock. By day, the café is a safe haven for writers and artists and even the musically gifted with a piano downstairs; while at night this café is home to a variety of musical tastes. La Cité is definitely a must-see in the pursuit of creativity.

The days were long, the work was strenuous, but the experience was life changing. WWOOF is a loose network of organizations that facilitate placements of volunteers on organic farms worldwide. What makes WWOOF so particular however is its foundation for an authentic relationship between host and volunteer. “WWOOFers” (WWOOF volunteers) work completely voluntarily but the host provides

food, accommodation, and opportunities for self discovery. Brindisi is the city in Puglia where I “WWOOFed”. Unlike the

stressed hustle of a city, my experience there was calm and refreshing, like the water of the Adriatic Sea

that borders it. My arrival at Mater Farm was greeted with a steaming plate of fried fresh

fish, homegrown tomatoes, onions, and a mysterious aroma of spices that hugged the

THE SIMPLEST TOOL: WWOOFING IN PUGLIA

by Blaine Weiss

TRAVEL

Photos by the author

I came out of it with a sore back, uneven tan, blistered hands, and yet a novel passion for organic farming. Through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) I was able to spend ten days of my semester abroad voluntarily working on an organic farm in Puglia.

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2014

walls of the kitchen. I felt comfortable with Tommy and Cinzia, the owners of the farm who were then strangers to me, and the meal they prepared was like a token of their appreciation for my ambition to work. Wake up calls were at 8 AM, followed by a light breakfast, but the day started when the sun kissed our skin. The garden was familiar like a distanced dream and I was pleasurably overwhelmed by the beauty of openness; no walls surrounded us but the clouds and the only sound heard was the song of birds from a distance. My responsibilities varied daily; I planted, shoveled, and hoed, weeded under and around olive trees in preparation for pickings, and landscaped a rock garden,. Days were long and exhausting, but rewarding and authentic. Tommy and Cinzia spoke little to no English and I little to no Italian. At first I thought

of the language barrier as a burden, but I soon came to recognize the value of conversation beyond words. Meals transformed into something more —we would laugh endlessly and exchange stories in a game of charades over flavored home cooked dishes. It takes a specific kind of person to own and maintain a farm and through my time there my ignorance was transformed into an inspiring awareness. The life is simple and delicate, but thick with responsibility. You wake up with the sun, your day is your gardens, and your feet the roots of the plants you nurture. The dirt beneath my fingernails as I washed before a meal was a humbling reminder of a hard day of work. The earth is so rich with wonder and we rarely take the time to pick it up. I once cupped it in my palms willingly and finally understood the value of

mankind’s greatest tool — our hands. Hands have created our world and the hands of the farmer have sustained our life. The dedication of a farmer is remarkable and incomparable and over my ten days of solitude in the countryside reaffirmed that nature is a connecting force; we need nothing more than our hands to succeed, and travel is no vacation but a relationship with yourself and the boundaries you break along the way.I’m grateful for my decision to expand my cultural perception of Italy by doing something outside of my comfort zone and what I learned is what something I promise to take back with me. Mater Farm will always be one of my many homes and during my time there with the dirt beneath my feet and the sun over my head there was nothing more that I needed, nothing more I wanted.

Photos by the author

Who or what displays character? At first, you

may reply with the obvious: your parents, friends, the loyal family dog, and even the annoying mosquito that escapes

your sneak attacks and continues to be

the unwelcome guest in your bedroom.

CASTELLO VICCHIOMAGGIO: CHARACTER LIES WITHIN

by Stephanie Fuchs

After more thought however – and the opportunity to live abroad in Italy – you may realize that both living beings and inanimate objects portray character and personality. In fact, character lies in everything and one must simply possess a keen eye to appreciate it. An ordinary bottle of Italian wine may possess character, for example, and this trait of character can be seen greatly within the Tuscan winery of Castello Vicchiomaggio. Castello Vicchiomaggio is a place filled with personality. It personifies an old woman whose striking features have become lined with wrinkles, yet nevertheless, she exudes an air of beauty, wisdom and modesty. The old woman could walk unnoticed in a crowd, but the moment people should

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INTERNS SPEAK FASHION AT FLY

by Lauren Fromin

FASHION

pause to observe her, they would be forever captivated. Castello Vicchiomaggio is one in the same - it is a hidden jewel. Beautiful and unassuming, Castello Vicchiomaggio’s elegant white walls are unnoticeable at first sight for it is the wine tasting room and the vineyards below that initially catch your eye. The castle itself is hidden nicely, perched upon a tree-covered hill like a mother bird atop her nest. Castello Vicchiomaggio is both lovely and modest; it enlists the rolling landscape to capture the onlooker’s attention and hides the sheer size of the castle so that you never realize just how large it is. In fact, if not for the glamorous history surrounding the picturesque castle, many tourists would not even know of its existence. Castello Vicchiomaggio was built in the 1400s. Located a mere 18 km from Siena and 38 km from Florence, the castle was a strategic point of defense for Florence during the Middle Ages when Florence and Siena were in a bitter feud. In addition to its dark history, Castello Vicchiomaggio was also a place of

artistic enlightenment and innovation. Leonardo da Vinci and Francesco Redi were among the celebrated artists to stay at the castle. It is even said that these two men were guests at Castello Vicchiomaggio while they created their respected masterpieces - the Mona Lisa and the famous poem “Bacco in Toscana.” But regardless of whether or not this last point is true, one cannot argue with the fact that wisdom resonates from the very stones of Castello Vicchiomaggio. Every inch of the castle is seeping with knowledge and understanding of people, events and the world. A site of history, innovation and beauty, Castello Vicchiomaggio lies nestled amongst the hilltops, a secret to many. If something so enchanting and overflowing with character could be hidden from view, then one must ponder an important question: how many more pieces of history are still waiting to be discovered?

Detailed info on Castello Vicchiomaggiocan be found here: www.vicchiomaggio.it

One important mission of Florence University of the Arts is the ability to provide real life experience through its education to students. Internships are a prime example of learning through doing, and this Blending issue features three interns from FLY Fashion Loves You, the vintage and emerging designer boutique extending from FAST (Fashion Accessories Studies and Technology). The boutique provides experiences to students and interns in the form of a clothing retail store open to the public.

Photos of the interns by the author

Photo by Olga Makarova

NEWSLETTER

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DECEMBER 2014

FATIMA YACOOBHome Institution: MilwaukeeSchool of EngineeringMajor: Business Management witha concentration in MarketingPosition at FLY: Business Intern

Tasks you are responsible for in your position:At FLY I am responsible for operating and managing sales transactions, updating inventory and product pricing, learning how to deal with designers/companies/consignment goods, taking care of visual aspects in the boutique, and strategizing about brands, sales and buying techniques.

Favorite thing about FLY:I really enjoy working with Gaia because she provides the ability to meet and interact with emerging designers. Having the opportunity to build a network within the field of fashion is incredible. I also enjoy overseeing sales and inventory for FLY.

What you get out of being an intern at FLY:This internship is allowing me to gain a realistic idea of how retail selling and promotion work: from knowing your target market, following a price strategy, dealing with designers and customers, keeping and monitoring transaction history and the visual aspect of the store. Additionally, Gaia’s past experience in business has enabled me to make this internship a lifelong learning experience.

KEEVIN HENLEYHome Institution: Western Kentucky UniversityMajor: Fashion Merchandising/Creative Interactive Advertising DesignPosition at FLY: Merchandizing Intern - Twist

Tasks you are responsible for in your position:I take on many tasks with this internship. I am working for a new, exclusive brand at the FLY boutique by the name of Twist. My tasks include formulating an actual communication plan to execute. This consists of photo campaigns, building a website, promotion through various social media outlets, creating logos, and also visual merchandising displays at the FLY boutique. Creating the brand image and raising awareness of this new brand are my two main goals.

Favorite thing about FLY:My favorite thing about the FLY boutique is how eccentric and eclectic it is - which is totally my personality. There’s a little bit of everything here. There’s some old and there’s some new. It doesn’t get any better than that!

What you get out of being an intern at FLY:Interning at FLY gives me the chance to not only work in an actual retail space, but I get to work in great detail with the designers that are featured in the FLY boutique. I get to work on

very serious projects with a brand. I essentially have some control over the brand and a great deal of responsibility. This is serious work. I am honored that I get to take on big marketing projects; and to be trusted, makes it feel even more special.

MEGHAN SAPIENZAHome Institution: Lasell College, Newton, Massachusetts Major: Fashion Communicationand Promotion with a minorin Event ManagementPosition at FLY: Fashion Communication Intern

Tasks you are responsible for in your position: FLY REPORTER, social media, the FLY blog, events and promotions exclusively for FLYFavorite thing about FLY: As an intern, your voice is still equally heard and you are able to get involved in whatever you are interested in at the snap of a finger.What you get out of being an intern at FLY: Since FLY gets me involved in almost every aspect of fashion communication, I will be able to leave with a really diverse and rounded understanding of the industry.

Be sure to follow FLY Fashion Loves You on Facebook and Instagram @TheFlyReporter for updates on sales, designers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work these interns provide.

FLY offers locals, tourists and students from FUA a selection of high-end vintage options to some of today’s newest, emerging designers. From the storefront on Borgo Pinti, FLY seems like another fashionable space found in the stylish streets of Florence, but what goes on behind the scenes, out

of view from shoppers, is truly something special. A team of interns works diligently to handle the buying, selling, merchandising and promotions for FLY and its designers. These students execute tasks each day and on a scale as if they were already part of the fashion industry.

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COMMUNITY

Italy is a country unique in having a 43.7 percent youth unemployment rate, with “youth” being defined as an individual between the ages of 15 and 24. This number was released in August 2014 and since then there has been little improvement.International business professor at Florence University of the Arts, Paolo Fiorini, cited several more reasons behind this including economic changes and flawed labor laws. “Most of the traditional production of ‘Made in Italy’ has been moved to cheaper countries,” he said, meaning there has been a decrease in work opportunities.

When it comes to the labor laws in Italy, historically it is designed to ensure employment security for those already hired. This often leaves little room for taking on younger employees. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pushed through his controversial “Jobs Act” in October, making reforms to Article 18, a set of laws originally designed to protect workers from unfair dismissal among other things. However, it is argued that these laws have had a negative effect as it is difficult for companies to fire old workers and makes them reluctant to take on new ones. Besides Renzi’s recent reforms, the government has

done little to address mass youth unemployment.Lack of work experience is another obstacle for Italy’s youth. If hired, companies would need to put time and resources into training individuals for the job. “The problem is increasing generation by generation, because the market is requesting more and more specialized employees with high level skills,” Fiorini said. The alternatives for those unable to find work are predictable ones and include going back to school, accepting a job out of necessity and not desire, or going abroad for other opportunities.

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN ITALY by Joslyn Matthews

Around the world, the worth of a university degree is plummeting and millennials are rapidly realizing that years of struggling through the system of higher education may not add up to much.

On a warm Sunday night, Fiorentina fans flocked to Stadio Artemio Franchi for the biggest soccer match of the season. By taking part as a spectator for this match, it marked my first time experiencing Italian professional soccer live. The Viola, the nickname for Fiorentina, would be taking on Inter Milan, one of the best teams in the league over the past several years. Hours before kick-off, fans clad in purple gear were already forming long lines behind the ticket office. Some even were holding giant flags with the team’s red flower logo. Inside the stadium, the Fiorentina crowd was singing “O Fiorentina” while Inter fans sat in a small section in the corner of the stadium. Inter Milan marched onto the field first, wearing all white, and the boos

instantly changed to cheers as the Fiorentina players entered their home turf. The volume inside the stadium rose dramatically, as fans stood on their feet with excitement. From the first pass onward, everyone kept his or her eyes focused on the ball. When a Fiorentina player went down without a foul, fans were sure to express their disagreement as well as exchange rivalries with the opposing camp. In the seventh minute, Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar scored, driving a screaming bullet off his right foot into the top left corner of the net. Fellow Viola players rushed over to Babacar, rubbing his head in the celebration. The fans jumped up and down and embraced everyone in sight. When it comes to soccer fans in Italy, everyone is family if you’re rooting for the same side.

FIORENTINA-INTER: A PASSIONATE VICTORYby Michael MasciadrelliA minute-by-minute report from an important ACF Fiorentina

victory against Inter Milan. The Fiorentina A-series soccer club is the home team of Florence, and the official team chef is none other than Executive Chef Andrea Trapani from Apicius.

Photo by Neal Johnson

NEWSLETTER

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Fiorentina constructed many successful drives by spreading the ball around to every player. With each player moving without the ball, it helped set up so many scoring chances. Watching the game from behind the goal allowed for a clear view of the entire field. In the 19th minute, Fiorentina midfielder Juan Cuadrado fired a curving shot with his right food into the right side of the goal, a good distance outside the box. Similar to Babacar’s goal, he created the opportunity by dribbling toward the center of the box. Inter players and their fans looked devastated with their hands on their hips. The first half

ended with Fiorentina holding a 2-0 lead. Inter Milan had to turn it around fast if they would get back into this game.Fiorentina continued creating scoring opportunities and defended the Inter Milan attack to perfection in the second half. Inter put together very few scoring chances as they desperately fired shots far outside the box. Fiorentina’s defenders forced Inter to take difficult shots and found ways to steal the ball back. Defender Nenad Tomovic scored in the 76th minute to give the Viola a decisive 3-0 advantage. He cleverly kicked the ball on the

ground, hooking it just inside the right goal post. Fiorentina never looked back, maintaining ball possession even with their subs on the field. As the last few minutes of time passed, the fans celebrated with another rendition of “O Fiorentina.” The victory caused Fiorentina to move past Inter in the standings and into ninth place. While exiting the stadium, Fiorentina fans discussed great moments of the game and even acted out the goals. This game clearly demonstrated how Italian soccer fans live and breathe soccer. If you haven’t yet been to a Fiorentina match, you’re in for a real treat.

FACES & PLACES

MONSTERS IN FLORENCE: SATYRS AND GORGONS

by John Filippo

This being said, you will notice that many of the fauns around Florence also double as continuous fountains or are a part of the fountain such as the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Della Signoria. These fertility gods are all but fitting for Florence in particular since the Roman name for Florence was Florentia, which means to flourish.The fauns/satyrs dominate areas of Florence such as the Boboli gardens, but they are never placed to be the center of attention; instead, they are a fine touch. In full-body

Photos by Emily Madigan

There is an impossible number of sculptures in Florence. A number of these sculptures are satyrs or fauns, which are mythological Greco-Roman creatures that symbolize fertility.

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versions of these creatures, you will notice horse or goat-like features attached to what is seemingly a man.However, Satyrs still hold enough importance that you can find a few in the Galleria Degli Uffizi. Here, Satyrs compete against repetitive religious artwork. This in turn helps the satyrs to stand out and maintain the importance that they once held in art, architecture and even daily life. They are also refreshing and light in contrast to the heavy religious scenes. While Florence is known for many things before the sculptures of satyrs, one will notice their vast presence and understand their importance upon observance.Another monster that draws the eye is Medusa’s head being held by Perseus, a bronze sculpture in Piazza Della Signoria. To give some background, Medusa is a gorgon (another mythical creature) with snakes for hair. As the legend goes, whoever looks at Medusa will be turned to stone. Of course, the irony is that Medusa and Perseus are forever captured in bronze by Cellini, their sculptor, and have been that way since the 1500s. This statue stands out from the rest because of its greenish-black color, whereas other statues in the Piazza are white marble, making it most notable as well as memorable.

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Il Porcellino’s history actually begins in Ancient Greece. He is a descendant of the Calydonian boar from Greek mythology. The Calydonian boar was a horrible monster unleashed on the town of Calydon by Artemis, jealous because she was not included in the town’s annual harvest festival. The King called for the best hunters in the land and the boar was eventually vanquished after extensive death and destruction.So, how did this monster of Greek lore make his way to Florence? It was

a complicated journey, truthfully. His first physical ancestor, a Hellenistic marble sculpture, was discovered in Rome in the mid-16th century. The Medici then moved it to Florence, where it currently resides in the classical section of the Uffizi Museum.Shortly before 1634, Pietro Tacca cast a fountain figure based upon the statue discovered in Rome. Tacca, a master of the Baroque period, specialized in bronze and his creations are strewn across Florence. They include the two fountains in

the Piazza della S.S. Annunziata and work on the equestrian bronze statue in the same square. Il Porcellino was originally intended to be placed in Boboli Gardens, the opposite side of the city from S.S. Annunziata, but was moved to Mercato Nuovo.The boar originally faced east, but was later moved to the south side where it sits today, in order to accommodate the traffic of the bustling market. The fountain that tourists wish upon is not Tacca’s work, however. Rather, it is a copy created by Ferdinando Marinelli

FLORENCE’S FAVORITE PIG:FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGYTO HARRY POTTER

by Quincy Kissack

Sandwiched between H&M and the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo poses Il Porcellino. Despite meaning “piglet” in English, his fountain depicts a wild boar, snout rubbed to a golden sheen from the hordes of tourists hoping for good luck, with long tusks and an intimidating physique. Beyond the terrifying presence, though, is a pig with a story.

Photo by Neal Johnson

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MONSTER HUNTING:WHEN YOU CAN’T STOP RUNNING

The figure in the sculpture had his head tilted to the left and looked deeply distraught. I tried to imagine what he was thinking about – my first guess was that he was sitting on top of a rock looking down on the sea and all those in it. My second prediction was that the figure was contemplating his death because his facial expression was so tragic. Despite not being an art historian, I was extremely confident in my estimations and felt it was time to test my knowledge – I decided the sculpture must be Poseidon, God of the Sea. With excitement and a slight bit of apprehension I looked down to read the description of the piece: Moses. Looking back, I wish I had used where I was within the museum as a context clue. For I probably would not have chosen a Greek god if I had realized I was in the “Roman Era” section of the museum. No matter my mistake though, I have not been able to get the face of Moses out of my head since I saw him a month ago. The sculpture depicts a feeling of sober contemplation. However, what I connect with most is the sensation of being lost. His eyes, or lack thereof, provide a level of ambiguity that frightens me. Pietro Francavilla,

Artistic Foundry in 1998 and replaced again in 2008. Tacca’s Il Porcellino sits in Palazzo Mozzi, in the Museo Bardini.Despite this extensive (though tumultuous) history, it still does not explain how the legend surrounding Il Porcellino began. As fable goes, rubbing the boar’s snout guarantees a return to Florence. After rubbing the snout, one must put a coin in his menacing-looking mouth. If the coin falls, the contributor will be blessed with good luck. This tradition appears to have no clear origin although it has been documented from 1766 beginning

with Tobias Smollett, an English literary traveler. It has been referenced in other works, including Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Bronze Hog” and most modernly appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II in the Room of Requirement. This symbol of Florence boasts copies around the world, from Australia to Norway to the United States of America, though they lack the promise of good luck. Their history intertwines with Il Porcellino, but Florence’s statue alone is the one that inspired additional mystery.

It caught my eye from across the room, and slowly I moved towards the display case. There was an elderly man standing on the right, so my first glimpse of the piece was from the left – the direction in which the sculpture was looking.

Photos by Emily Madigan

by Shannon Keller

NEWSLETTER

15

DECEMBER 2014

the artist of the sculpture, portrays Moses nakedly – concentrating on the immensity of what God has asked of him. In the most basic terms Moses is wrestling with the responsibility of God’s message – and for some reason that scars me. I suppose it is the responsibility aspect of the piece that has haunted me. For I have felt that being abroad relinquishes me of all my “normal” responsibilities, but this sculpture reminds me, all too clearly, that life is happening and is made in the moments we accept responsibility. Just as Moses was unable to avoid the burning bush through which God spoke to him, this piece reminds me to take responsibility for my own actions and choices – in many ways Moses is the mirror I have been avoiding. Often I find it easier to run away from responsibility, but looking at this sculpture forces me to deal with life and the things I have been avoiding.

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BLENDING NEWSLETTER

Supplemento di /

Supplement to Blending Magazine

Reg. Trib. di Firenze n° 5844 del 29 luglio 2011

Anno 4 - Numero 8 - Dicembre 2014

Year 4 - Issue 8 - December 2014

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Federico Cagnucci

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Federico Cagnucci

Neal Johnson

Emily Madigan

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