FASHION/Karl Lagerfeld at Palazzo Pitti
June 14–October 23
Palazzo Pitti, piazza Pitti, Florence
Photo of Mariacarla Boscono by Karl Lagerfeld for Interview magazine, 2001.
During the 90th edition of menswear showcase Pitti Uomo (June 14–17), Palazzo Pitti will open Karl Lagerfeld–Visions of Fashion, a photography exhibition dedicated to the 82-year-old creative director and head designer for Chanel, Fendi and his own fashion label. Two hundred photographs—many from shoots published in such style bibles as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and V—will be spread throughout Palazzo Pitti, beginning in the Scalone del Moro and continuing through the Palatine Gallery, the Sala Bianca and two rooms of the Appartamenti degli Arazzi. Image types include platinum prints, Polaroid transfers, daguerreotypes and digital prints. For additional information, see Pitti Immagine’s website.
FILM/Light and Spirit
June 13, 5.30pm, first screening; 7.30pm, exhibition opening; 8.30pm, second screening
Cinema Spazio Uno, via del Sole 10, Florence
As part of the annual Festa della Cultura, San Giovanni Battista, a community-oriented celebration of Florence’s patron saint, Spazio Uno will screen David Battistella’s film Light and Spirit. The film tells the remarkable story of Don Alessandro Pacchia, sacristan at Florence’s Cathedral, a humble priest who never rose through the ranks. At the age of 80, Don Alessandro got his first computer and became a blogger. He now has over 5,000 Facebook friends around the world. David Battistella describes Don Alessandro as “100 percent committed to his mission,” and the film sheds light on his life of quiet dignity and its far-reaching impact. The vernissage for the corresponding photography exhibition will take place between the 5.30pm and 8.30pm film screenings. Watch the trailer above and read more about the highlights of Festa della Cultura in our roundup of the top events in June.
ART/John Currin
June 13–October 2
Stefano Bardini Museum, via dei Renai 37, Florence
The Penitent, 2004. Oil on canvas. 42 x 34 inches. Private Collection © John Currin. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery. Photography by Rob McKeever
John Currin is contemporary American painting’s reigning “bad boy,” known for his satirical and sexualized artwork, blending classical techniques with his self-described “trashy” sensibilities. In his comically crude paintings, viewers find the fleshiness of Rubens, the frivolity of Fragonard and the pop references of Warhol. Currin’s show is the first in the new “Contrappunti” exhibition series, aiming to make the public more aware of the Stefano Bardini Museum’s antique treasures through unexpected and provocative juxtapositions. For additional information, call 055/2342427.
RAINBOW/Toscana Pride Park
June 11–19
Limonaia of Villa Strozzi, via Pisana 77, Florence
Following the Italian Senate’s recent approval of legislation recognizing same-sex civil unions, celebrations at the first-ever Toscana Pride Park are particularly timely. Villa Strozzi’s Limonaia will host a colorful series of LGBT-themed events, from film and documentary screenings to parties, concerts and book presentations. Highlights this week will include the opening party (10pm, June 11); a conference on same-sex parenting organized by Rete Genitori Rainbow (9pm, June 12); and a cheeky performance by Milan-based group Nina’s Drag Queens (9pm, June 15). View the full program here.
TRADITION/Calcio Storico Semifinals
June 11 & 12
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
Calcio Storico in Piazza Santa Croce | Photo by Alexandra on Flickr
Brace yourselves: calcio storico is back! The quintessential Florentine sport, originating in the 16th century, hosts its traditional Santa Croce takeover with plenty of pomp and circumstance pre- and post-football. Matches kick off with the Verdi battling the Bianchi on June 11, followed by the Rossi roughhousing against the Azzurri on June 12. (Mark your calendar and gear up for the grand finale on June 24, the Feast Day of John the Baptist, Florence’s patron saint). For all matches, a procession will leave piazza Santa Maria Novella at 3.30pm, winding its way to the pitch in Santa Croce, where flag-throwing troupe Bandierai degli Uffizi will perform at 5pm. All matches will then kick off around 5.30pm. View more details here. (Bianchi fans: after the match on June 11, head to Via Romana’s White Party to mingle with the team members, who will be in the neighborhood for some Saturday street festivities–rain or shine, win or lose. The party runs until midnight).
HISTORY/Monnalisa Day
June 15, all day
Piazza della Passera and various Oltrarno venues, Florence
Join in a full-day party paying tribute to one of the world’s most iconic faces. On the birthday of Lisa Gherardini, the model for Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and a Florentine, the Santo Spirito and San Frediano areas will host art installations, DJ sets, concerts and special gallery and shop openings. The program in piazza della Passera includes “Leonardo Telling”, a 6.30pm theatrical presentation of San Frediano neighborhood life during the Renaissance, followed by a 7pm “Mon-Walking” parade to the corner of via Sguazza and via Maggio, where Lisa was born in a small rented home. Enjoy DJ sets in piazza del Carmine (9.30pm) and at Pop Cafe in piazza Santo Spirito (10.30pm); a live painting demonstration with tunes spun by Lucille dj (9.30pm, I Riusi, Borgo San Frediano 41r); a reading of “Monnalisa Drive-In” (7.30pm, Libreria Clichy, via Maggio 13r) and numerous other events. View the full program here.
