Description
How often do we really look around at our surroundings? It’s a gesture so simple and rewarding, and yet we risk not taking in everything cities like Florence have to offer because we are so preoccupied with checking our messages (WhatsApp, IG, emails: you name it) and staying connected. The moral of Thomas J Price’s sculpture in piazza della Signoria is seemingly straightforward, although it also bears additional meanings about how Black people are perceived in everyday life. Find out more about the exhibit in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and the related multisite exhibition on page 4.
April is always a busy month as Florence emerges from the winter into a packed spring of park life, flower shows and a multitude of community events. Don’t miss the Florence Cocktail Week (page 9), from April 7 to 13 as the city celebrates top mixology, the acclaimed international crafts exhibition MIDA from April 25 to May 1 (page 8) and, of course, the utterly bizarre and brilliant Scoppio del Carro (explosion of the cart) on Easter Sunday (page 8).
In this month’s issue, find out more about the Tracey Emin exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi (page 14) as Michelle Tarnopolsky takes us through the triumph of the Sex and Solitude show by the 61-year-old contemporary British artist. Jane Farrell reviews the showcase centred on art critic Roberto Longhi and writer Anna Banti at Villa Bardini (page 15), while in a nifty connect Lauren Mouat visits Casa Buonarroti (page 15) in an effort to understand the life and times of Artemisia Gentileschi and Banti, whose most famous work was dedicated to the 17th-century artist. In other exhibition news, Vittoria Colonna, whose ancestor was Michelangelo’s muse, talks to us about her colourful creations on display in Dream Weavers at Serre Torrigiani (page 19). On another note, trumpet virtuoso Andrea Tofanelli chats to Hershey Felder about the jazz nights being organized at the jewel box of Teatro Niccolini in the shadow of the Duomo (pages 16-17).
The April edition of The Florentine comes with an invitation to join us for a free cultural event in the charming surroundings of Cellerini leather atelier, meeting like-minded people and admiring the handmade items. Enjoy coffee by D612 and treats by Wild Buns Bakery. Taking place from 10am-midday on Friday, April 4, in via del Sole 9, first floor (no elevator): let us know if you’re coming by emailing press@theflorentine.net.
That’s not all. On June 5 at 6pm, Sabina Corsini will be welcoming readers of The Florentine to a culture walk around the Corsini Gardens to learn all about this secret garden directly from the seventh-generation owner, while raising funds to restore the striking sixteenth-century loggia designed by Bernardo Buontalenti. Turn to page 18 for details about how to book your spot.
One more thing! April will bring something new from The Florentine: the inaugural issue of El Duomo! The brainchild of Ruth Claramonte Navarro and Francisco Jaén Martos, the 64-page Spanish magazine features a selection of carefully crafted stories for lovers of Tuscan culture. Issue One La Mirada Lenta (“Slow Gaze”) will be distributed in hotels, restaurants and places that are popular with Spanish-speaking communities in and around Florence. Get involved by emailing info@elduomomagazine.com.
