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Last posts

The Danube in Culture

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

The Danube River flows from the black forest to the Black Sea, retracing an itinerary which measure nearly 3.000 kms, and says hello to Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, the Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. This journey through central Europe -Mitteleuropa- is the main theme of one of Italy’s most famous novels, Danubio (1986) by author Claudio Magris. This work allows readers to discover the identity of different regions surrounding the second longest river in Europe: its cultures, historical anecdotes and literary references. Although it’s huge, our interest has yet to be whetted, so here’s a short introduction to wake up your curiosity. We aren’t here to give you a geography lesson, just a few tidbits to get you interested in this natural jewel which has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists. Beginning with an international reference, we can mention Johan Strauss (junior) who composed the waltz on the Beautiful Blue Danube in 1867 while travelling its shores. Of his more than 400 waltzes it’s one of the most famous and appreciated, and is a reference in classical music, as well as the second national anthem in Austria. Danube Culture Danube is quite the repository of folk culture, filled with popular dances and musicals. The waltz is quite prominent in Vienna, as well as the yodel, the typical Shepard’s chant or the lively Hungarian rhythms of czardas. Many of classical music’s most important figures come from this region in Europe, to name a few: Richard Strauss, Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók. If you would like to follow the course of this river... read more

The Euro Report Card

Mónica Boixeda Malagueño

The Euro has celebrated its tenth birthday this year. If the Euro were a real ten-year old, what would it´s report card say? Let´s go back to school… Home Room Euro is an overall good student. Although he has a slight problem with authority, he is a natural leader. This has caused some interpersonal problems between Euro and two other students (Sterling and Dollar), but these ongoing arguments seem to be healthy competition. He has fifteen members of his group, who he treats with varying degrees of respect. There are also a small number of students who are not part of his group, but who tag along with him. These unfortunate students receive almost none of Euro´s kind attention. Mathematics Euro had some problems in the beginning of the class, adapting to other currencies. His inflated view of himself raised prices dramatically in many areas of the curriculum, leading to policy changes at the school to prevent this happening in the future. It is important that Euro learns to enter a class quietly, instead of being a disruptive influence. His basic skills are good though, and his presence has helped movement from one class to another become smoother and easier. His efforts during the 2008 financial crisis were inadequate, but appreciated. Social Studies Euro has not been able to grasp the differences between social groups. His presence has been a benefit to those from wealthier European countries, but the strain of his unceasing demands is proving too much for those from less affluent countries. An adjustment in Euro´s attitude, to allow for varying socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, would result... read more

Man-Ray and Robert Mapplethorpe: A pair of photographic geniuses

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

The Marconi Modern and Contemporary Art Foundation in Milan has for years been a referential institution for lovers of photography and modern art, and stands out for its rigorous efforts and initiative. It organizes conferences, seminars, exhibits and events to popularize the arts. This year they have curated an exhibit featuring works from two stand-out American photographers Man Ray and Robert Mapplethorpe. This exhibit covers two multi-faceted artist-photographers who were active in different moments. Man Ray worked from the 20´s to the 70´s and Robert Mapplethorpe from the 70´s until his death in 1989 that have left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography. Man Ray, multi-disciplinary artist and one of the most influential figures of early 20th century art, who is known for his informal association with surrealism and became famous in part for his original portraits and use of solarization techniques and “rayographs,” was admired by Mapplethorpe. Robert Mapplethorpe began as a photographer and later dedicated himself completely to photography. He was a master of lighting techniques and composition. His work is known for its nearly neoclassical representation of the human form, which is capable of transmitting strong emotions and an intense sensuality despite its restraint The Milan exhibit will run from the 23rd of March until the 22nd of May and displays paintings, photography and objects by Man Ray and 25 works by Robert Mapplethorpe, and collects some of their most famous works, such as a portrait of Mapplethorpe’s muse Lisa Lyon or “Woman in Bondage” by Man Ray. Concurrently, in the Lugano Art Museum the exhibit Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfection of Form... read more