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Last posts

Villa Romana in Florence – one of the oldest artistic sites in Italy

Mónica Boixeda Florentine, Only-Be

Even though its name is Villa Romana it is located in Florence, in the Via Senese 68 to be exact. Its founders are German. It is one of the oldest artistic sites for modern art in Italy founded with the intention to create an independent center directly financed by the artists where all sorts of artistic expression where accepted and appreciated. In relation to this the Premio Villa Romana was created which represents a critical alternative to prizes handed out by state academies which are known to be more conservative and less interested in promoting new ideas. The project was launched in 1905 when the German painter Max Klinger invested stocks of a group of rich friends in the construction of a house in Florence which was meant to be an art workshop. The house has 40 rooms and about 15 000m² space. One of the main investors was Eduard Arnhold from Berlin, who shortly before purchased the Villa Böckling in Fiesole (province of Florence) who 5 years later founded the Academy of German Artists at the Villa Massimo in Rome. Other sponsors were Adolph vom Rath (president of the Deutsche Bank) and Erich Schulz-Schomburgk (who managed the branch in Lipsia). Although the Villa Romana represents itself as an independent, self-managed project to protest against the artistic academicism in Italy and the slow bureaucracy that often times hinders modern developments, it is obvious that it wouldn’t have been possible without the donations of the German elite and the support of the big German banks. However, it should be mentioned that the history of the Villa Romana is related to... read more

Christmas Ball 2010 in Berlin

Mónica Boixeda Berliner, Only-Be

Do you have plans for the holidays this year? If so, you can change them, because if your destination is not Berlin, you´ll regret it for the rest of your days. No, I´m not kidding, the Christmas Ball, a festival that has already been carried out successfully in other cities in Germany arrives in Berlin and has an unbeatable lineup! The festival will be headlined by none other than Fields of the Nephilim, a band led by the “master of gothic rock,” and “Guru of Darkness”, Carl McCoy. This year we were lucky to see him on tour in several European countries, and his concerts showed that his 25-year career has only strengthened and refined his musical skills. If you missed the tour, now is your chance to see him. Enter a different world and get caught up in an atmosphere that few bands can manufacture. The second headliner is another luminary we’ve been looking forward to mentioning, German group Project Pitchfork. They are known for there e-industrial sound, led by Peter Spiller is a band that examines philosophical issues of great substance and depth, accompanied by the best electronic beats. Thirdly, Laibach, pillars of the industrial genre. It´s pretty hard to talk about the music of Laibach, because they have covered so much musical ground over the course of there career. The best thing to do is see them live at the Christmas Ball. Last but not least, is a band that lends pure spark to the dance floor, Agonoize. Know for playing the newest incarnation of German industrial sound, they will finish up the night along with... read more

Mariano Fortuny Exhibit in Venice

Mónica Boixeda Only-Be, Venetian

The painter and designer Mariano Fortuny, despite his Catalan origins, always had a close relationship with Italy, especially Venice. This was the city where his mother decided to move in 1889 after years of living in Paris, and where he continued his studies painting and copying works by some of his artistic idols Venetians. It was in Venice where the multifaceted artist met his wife Henrietta and began a textile printing shop where they created some of the world’s most iconic woven fabrics. He became famous not only in the world of fashion, but also became known as an innovator in theatre, industrial design and other decorative arts. Now the legacy of Fortuny comes home to Venice thanks to a fantastic exhibition at the Fondazione di Venezia Musei Civici, which opened on September 4 and will remain open until January 9, 2011. Under the heading “Silk and Velvet” the exhibit will commemorate this great artist, show some of his most famous designs, including the extraordinary Delphos series of delicate pleated silk dresses. His work continues to be referential in the field of fashion design. And in a way you could say that some of these amazing pieces shine stronger in their place of birth, as many of them were designed in the textile printing shop in the Palazzo Pesaro Orfei. For more information see: http://www.museiciviciveneziani.it/frame.asp?pid=1871&musid=215&sezione=mostre ? Heloise Battista If you´re not already familiar with the work of this interesting character, I recommend renting apartments in Venice and visiting the exhibition at the Fondazione di Venezia Musei Civici. Especially for those interested in fashion and decorative arts, this exhibition... read more