Suffering from Botticelli burnout? October 10 is the Italy-wide Giornata Nazionale del Contemporaneo (National Day of Contemporary Art). Put that Vasari book down and step into twenty-first century Florence: here are some highlights!
Work from Betty Woodman. Ph. Andrea PaolettiPieces from crossover artist Betty Woodman, who primarily works in ceramics but is also a prolific painter, are on display at the Marino Marini Museum and have generated lots of local buzz. To celebrate the Day of Contemporary Art, the museum will offer free admission to the Woodman exhibition, along with the permanent collection and a site-specific show by Norwegian artist Fredrik Værslev. Værslev’s works include a series of canvases that share similarities with post-Pollock gestural abstraction painting, but have been created using a mechanical striping machine, normally used to draw lines on highways and athletic fields. More infoFrom 12pm to 6pm, local artists Françoise Bertolini and Anna Rose will host an open studio event in via di Ricorboli 5, presenting their works in dialogue with one another. See a selection of works in progress, along with sculpture, installation and video. Titled ‘(Im)Percezione,’ this visual conversation explores the interaction between form and concept. More event info here; read more about the artists and view their work on annamrose.com and francoisebertolini.com.Curious about the depths of the Le Murate complex? Take part in a free guided visit (in Italian) to the Carcere Duro on Saturday at 6.30pm (limited slots still available). This section of the converted convent-turned-prison-turned-social space was, as its name implies, the most severe portion of the former prison complex. Visit the cells to get a sense of the conditions. For the Day of Contemporary Art, an audio installation by artist Valeria Muledda will take place in the space. Act quickly to snag a spot, which are going fast: call 055/2768224 or 055/2768558.
Daniele Nannini’s workStudio Art Centers International, the oldest American art school in Florence, will open its studio doors to the public on Saturday for the occasion. From 4–7pm, stop by Palazzo Jules Maidoff in via Sant’Egidio 14 to see young contemporary artists and MFA students in action. After you’ve gotten a peek at their creative processes, step inside the Jules Maidoff Gallery to see Animal Portraits, an exhibition by Turin-born and Florence-based illustrator and painter Daniele Nannini, curated by American artisan Naomi Muirhead. More info
Though not officially affiliated with the Day of Contemporary Art, tomorrow’s special photography event Street-Folio is a perfect way for artists to mark the occasion while meeting new people and receiving helpful feedback. Whether you’re an experienced street photographer or are just starting to cultivate your style, come to ZAP (vicolo Santa Maria Maggiore 1) to hear constructive criticism from the members of photography collective Spontanea, The Florentine’s photo editor and director Marco Badiani and special guest, American street photographer Richard Bram. Portfolio reading sessions will be offered in English and Italian. Email your portfolio to info@spontanea.org; participation costs 10 euro. More info
