Monday 2-22-10

Today was another wonderful day in Rome. Although we had a bit of a rough start with some rain, it cleared up and overall it was warm and beautiful. At 10 this morning, we started out on our journey to Piazza Navona, which was a fantastic start to week 8. With Lauren as our guide, we pushed through the streets and explored the possibilities of the oval-shaped Piazza. The foundation of Lauren's presentation was based on the fact that in ancient times, this space was used for circuses, jousts, carnivals, and other theatrical displays.

Sadly, after this brief introduction, we wandered into the center of the square to see that the Bernini's Four River Fountain, which was the glue to Lauren's entire project, was completely barricaded and walled-off for "further renovations".



Although there were four tiny windows that allowed us to make the best of a bad situation, Lauren improvised and had a strike of creative genius. Instead of simply viewing the fountain, we became the fountain. Conner took on the position of the obelisk. Natalia portrayed the Nile River, Erika the Rio de la Plata, Giulia the Ganges, and Nick the Danube. Carisa and Stephanie joined in as some of the additional decorations of the fountain, and armadillo and a lion. This gave us a feeling of the movement that the real fountain would have given off, if it was in action and uncovered.



Lauren's presentation was a nice way to ease the class back into session to begin this week, although it's safe to say that the main anticipation for everyone in the program is geared towards our trip to Naples this Thursday. We look forward to filling you in on the rest of the week, we can't wait to talk to you again tomorrow!!!

Carisa & Mick

Friday February 19th

It is raining again for Julie’s class and there is a bus strike! Noon arrived, and the weather finally shined upon Julie’s class—sunny and warm with a light wind. We met Shara at the front of the Rome Center and decided to see a short introduction about Chris Burden (a famous contemporary artist known for his performance art).

Ten minutes later, we boarded bus 492 for Gagosian Gallery to witness the legendary work of Chris Burden—his exhibit named The Hear: Open or Closed.

The upscale location of this gallery conveyed the quality and fame of Burden’s works. We ascended the stairs to first face Burden’s creation of Dreamer’s Folly (2010), a “series of three highly ornamental cast-iron gazebos reminiscent of those common to traditional English gardens.” (as described by its press release). We sat in this rather delicate structure as we listened to Shara’s description of the purpose of such art. We then proceeded to Burden’s Nomadic Folly ( 2001), an Arabian-like nomad tent with oriental carpets, plush pillows, silk curtains, glass lamps, and seductive Turkish-Armenian music. Such a soothing bed of art eased our minds and lulled us into a dream-like state as we drifted in and out of consciousness. Shara’s words flowed with the calming breeze and rested against our ears. A few more minutes and we were out the door, rejuvenated and ready for MACRO (Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome). This time, we stopped outside of the city walls. The architecture, as Shara explained, was more French in style. We strolled along Via dei Villini and surveyed the villas as prospective buyers.

Finally, we entered the gates of MACRO.

The first showpiece at the center of the entrance was a black steel tower. One climbs it to venture through the artist’s mind as this tower is filled with the artist’s experiences and emotions. Then it was up to the second level. We carefully tiptoed through strange metal grids, studied concealed beetle covered artworks through floor mirrors, and rolled along edges of walls decorated with miniscule framed art (we had some fun attempting yoga on the carpeted floor). After a few brief visits to other rooms of contemporary art, we left this interesting complex.

It was an end to a great day and week (perfect for walking too)!

Ciao amici,

Alexis and Teo

Thursday February 18th

“We will be pilgrims today.”

—Erika Fisher

Our day started with the usually weekly morning check-ins for our independent research project from 10am to 12am. The sun is out. Glorious! A perfect day for our 3 o’clock pilgrimage walk. On this oddly warm winter day, we crossed the Ponte Sant’Angelo and marveled at the scenic landscape that crescendoed to the emergence of St. Peters basilica and piazza.

The pilgrims stop for a brief photo op

The route inspired nonstop exclamations of wonder. When we finally arrived, Erika was ready to get down to business. Her presentation began with explanations of the piazza and all it contained: the fountains, columns (standing at two foci that give the illusion of one column though three are behind it), and the layout of the piazza. We now know which fountain is older, the history of the piazza, and piazza’s architecture. Good job Erika!

After Erika’s presentation, we moved through security to enter St. Peters basilica. The grand scale of the structures inside was breathtaking, with eight feet cupids! This time no angry security personnel hunted down tourists with cameras. We can take photographs, with flash?! Lisa enlightened us. Yes, all the art here contains no frescoes due to the past fear of flooding that would ruin artworks. Thus, all the decorations are done in mosaic. None of us could believe the details of the mosaic, so perfectly laid that it rivaled some of the best paintings. As we tried to learn more about this basilica, a Vatican guard angrily silenced us and threatened “banishment” from the church if we continued our group-talk during mass. No matter. We wandered around just as mass started and studied some of the huge sculptures.

The sunset was picturesque. It was an excellent time to climb Castel San Angelo and see the entire city against a glowing horizon. Amazing! The refreshing breeze ruffled our hair as we took countless pictures against a backdrop of a radiating St. Peters. Thanks Erika for all our pictures, faces basked in warmth from a honey sunset. Just beautiful. Some left and a few stayed behind to witness Rome at nighttime. All the lamplights turned on and flooded the entire city in a surreal romance. Below is the proof.

Later that night some of pilled into the Rome Center and enjoyed our movie date with Roman Holiday and the iconic Audrey Hepburn

Until the next sunrise, ciao Roma!

Alexis and Teo

Wednesday February 17th

Happy Birthday Bruno! You are remembered


A little history on the statue of Giordano Bruno:
Bruno was killed for "speaking out against the church." Eight charges were brought against him, among which were included: denying the virginity of Mary, denying the existence of the holy trinity, denying the right of the persecutors to prosecute him, and participating in divinations. The last was a reference to his amazing ability to memorize long texts. He used the very effective "Memory Place" technique to recite large texts in public, for which the Church accused him of using magic.

Years later, to honor his life and his death, a statue of him was commissioned to be placed in the Campo di Fiori. Initially, this statue was to face away from the Vatican, as if in defiance. However, the church "strongly suggested" it be pointed towards the Vatican instead. His statue is currently visible outside of our apartment window. It is dark, cloaked, and mysterious.

Giordano Bruno stands for free thinkers and called himself a philosopher. He was a very religious man but some of his beliefs contradicted the Catholic Church. For example, he believed that everyone will be saved once they die. Wouldn't that be great if he were right? He also believed in a heliocentric world. Unfortunately, he was ahead of his time.


Art History:
We visited two beautiful churches today with the intention of comparing their ceilings and learning about the rivalry between the two cardinal-nephews, Aldobrandini (ex cardinal at the time he comissioned his ceiling) and Borghese (current cardinal). First we saw the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere. This ceiling cost 7,000 scupi and was commissioned by Pietro Aldobrandini. The second ceiling we saw was nearby in the Church of San Crisogono. This one cost 11,000 scudi and was commissioned by Scipione Borghese. Borghese intentionally commissioned his ceiling to outdo Aldobrandini and assert his new position of power as papal nephew. Silly cardinals!

Other things we discussed about the churches included the columns within them, the paintings, statues of St. Christopher, the intricate marble floors, architecture, mosaics, wall paintings, and much more!

Afterwards, Lisa rewarded us with coffee and cornetti. The cornetti were heavenly (almost as good as the guilding in the churches) and the coffee was so good that even those that don't normally drink coffee thoroughly enjoyed it!


Lunch Break meant different things for different people:
1. For most, it meant food
2. For Erika, master runner, and for the poor soul that chose to join her, it meant running to the other side of the universe.
3. For Giulia, a walk to esquilino.
4. For the rest, blogging!
5. Special mention for Carissa who updated the Olympics Tribute --the promised picture posted right below.


Italian Class:

This was the scariest Italian class we've had so far! At the start of class, Fede handed out a worksheet and told us with a straight face that it was review for our exam. As soon as we looked at our worksheets, the room went silent. Everyone was shocked. Nobody knew what to do. Eventually, Fede told us it was a joke. Much funnier in retrospect ! Oh Fede...


The most exciting part of Italian class, and possibly of the entire day, was ballare!! Singing! Fede played a youtube video for the class to sing and dance along with. It was absolutely hilarious. We also learned a lot of new vocabulary. Some people, like Tim, Connor, Derek, Giulia, and Erika got really into it (not to name any names)! I think we should perform our new song and dance at the Last Supper. Also, stay tuned to see parts of the performance in the weekly VLOG!

Ending the Night:

Unfortunately, Julie's soccer exhibition was canceled due to weather conditions.
Fortunately, this gave everyone time to catch up on some work and cooking.


Off to eat crepes!
Alexis and Teo

Tuesday February 16th

Our second day of week seven began with a relaxing start. One o’clock, we all filled the first floor seminar room. Yes, we had a guest speaker! Her name is Mirela Pribac and she is a Romanian artist who studied in Rome and made a photo documentary on “Campo Nomadi.”

Her discussions were focused on the plight of “Gypsies” or the more appropriate and politically correct term, ROMA. We have been discussing the “Gypsies,” their lives, jobs, and perceptions since week one. However, none of us knew much about their history or background. Mirela was able to provide insights in to their lives as she spent time getting to know the people in Campo Nomadi while making her documentary. She talked about the discrimination they faced and how such prejudices and stereotyping could be stopped. Throughout her presentation, she explained of the discrimination they endured not only from people all across Europe, but also from the governments of the respective countries they live in. The pictures revealed a people so pure and loving, the children playing together and mothers caring for their children. Her photos lent familiarity or even sympathy to such a misunderstood people. She talked of how while she was rummaging through the images, she would match their faces with dolls that she found depicting “Gypsies.” The resemblance led her to combine the faces of real people to the dolls. This act made her realize that she was actually guilty of form of stereotyping the “Gypsies.” In the end, she concluded that the way to stop this derogatory stereotyping and discrimination is to first recognize when you are committing these prejudiced acts. They are ROMA not “Gypsy.”

After a fifteen minute break, we headed to the Accademia di Romania (this place we learned does not offer courses; rather, it is more of a place that houses Romanian scholars who do research in Italy). Trekking ten minutes in the rain after a fifteen minute ride, I welcomed the accademia that rose like a white palace against the bleak sky. We ran in, glad of a temporary relief from further soggy shoes and less than pleasant smelling clothes.

Immediately, we were greeted by the accademia’s art director. He was the epitome of a jolly old man! Nice and funny. He showed us around the extensive complex. One area was a huge room that displayed framed paintings along the walls. Right above that room was Mirela’s showroom for contemporary art. The artist who drew the picture at the end of the narrow corridor sells his work at auction for two to four million Euros!

One of my favorite rooms though was the library, famous for being the largest state library out of Romania.

The library contained around 34,500 books. It had an old world charm of tattered classic novels, antique ceiling lamps, and wooden railing balconies. Perfection. This is where our day ended. Sadly, partially dried shoes and clothes did not last long as we ventured out into the cold, rainy world (walking to Piazza del Popolo and “home”—Campo de Fiori).

Until tomorrow ciao!

Alexis and Teo

Monday February 15th

Already week seven! These past six weeks have absolutely flown by. Every day has been a new adventure and a new lesson. In fact, almost every day so far has been packed with activities –class, visiting Rome, various projects, writing assignments, readings, eating, exploring, and planning presentations. It’s been fantastic but I also think that I speak for all of us when I say that a slower, more relaxed day like today was welcome.

Only two classes today: Introduction to Baroque Art in the Conference room (one of very few in-house lectures given by Lisa) and Italian language class. In Italian, we learned some grammar, hotel vocabulary, how to book rooms, and how to make the receptionist aware of problems. For example, “l’acqua calda non funziona” and “posso avere ancora una coperta.” Both of these would have been useful in the past, especially when dealing with the jolly man who fixed our heat every other day but couldn’t understand a word we said! In the future, I’m sure he will appreciate our new Italian phrases.

In Lisa’s class, we learned about Baroque Art. Since today was less strenuous and eventful than most, here is a quick review on the major tenets of Baroque Art with fun pictures from past adventures in Italy to help you remember

1. New Subject Matter: landscape, portraiture, still life, scenes of every-day life
(below is a picture of Carisa, Steph, and Lauren doing arts and crafts (in a scene of every-day life) in honor of the olympics. Picture of the finished product to be expected later in the week)


2. Deep Interest in Psychology: Passions of the heart
(below is a picture, a still-life, of our Valentines Day treat made by Erika. Thanks Erika!)


3. Concerns with Space
(below is a picture of Sijia, staring off into space. Actually, she is looking up at a Baroque style ceiling that is painted to look like it goes higher than it actually does)


4. Preoccupations with Time
(below is a picture of an hourglass taken in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, indicative of time)


5. Expressive use of Light
(below is a picture of Florence at night. lots of light. beautiful)



Of course, there was cooking and eating delicious treats before, after, and in between the classes! Mostly, we just took it slow. Different sets of people went on walks, explored their rione, worked on their projects, and quite a few of us grabbed gelato for an evening dessert. I don’t think we could ever grow tired of gelato! The day ended with everybody watching the Olympics and working on upcoming projects.

Ciao!
Alexis and Teo

Thursday, February 11th

This week independent Research check-in meetings were moved to Thursday, mine being at 10:30, so each group met separately with Lisa and Julie in Julie’s apartment. We had great Italian doughnut holes and cappuccinos from our wonderful and generous teachers, and then discussed our independent research topics, and the progress made on our research. The presentations are only a few weeks away!

After a long break during the afternoon, the whole group met up to go to Villa Borghese, and the museum there. We left at around 2:15, and took a bus ride to the beautiful gardens and property of the Villa Borghese. After a short introduction in the front yard, we went inside. The Villa was a “pleasure palace” built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who was the nephew of Pope Paul V.

Inside the museum there are currently hundreds of paintings and sculptures. We saw many paintings by the infamous artist, Caravaggio, whose paintings were great, but controversial with the church at the time. This did not stop Scipione Borghese from snatching up a lot of his famous works. My favorite was the Madonna with the child. The painting is very different from most depictions of the Madonna with the baby Jesus because it is very dark. The child is in the forefront, standing, but stepping on a snake with his feet. This is a very unusual pose and depiction of one of the most painted religious subjects.

The statues by Gian Lorenzo Bernini were my favorite part of the Villa Borghese. His ability to carve these statues out of marble was unreal to me. The details are amazing and in some cases the marble looks like it is actual skin because of the techniques he used. Also, the drapery on the statues almost looked like paper or cloth it was so realistic. Very amazing works of art to see so close and in person.Too bad we couldn’t take pictures of our own!

We left the museum around 5 in order to get back, because Natalia, Mick, and I (Conner) had to pack for our flight to Barcelona later that night!