Exclusive Look into Piero Manzoni's Exhibit

Have you heard of the Milanese artist, Piero Manzoni? Well, you are about to because WhereMilan provided Anna, Alessandra, Joy and myself with press passes to the grand opening of Manzoni's Palazzo Reale exhibition! (A perk that comes with working for a tourism publication.)

Piero Manzoni (Image: Timeout.com)

Born in 1933, Manzoni lived only 30 more years until his death in 1963, due to a heart attack. During that time, he was an extreme benefactor of the avant-garde movement. Members of this movement had a tendency to experiment with various techniques and materials bringing new and innovative ideas to the art scene. Manzoni...now he was famous for introducing the world to a style of work called achrome. Achrome is created mainly out of a white, colorless rough gesso and/or karolin compound that is placed on a surface and left to dry. The outcome was not a work of art created by a self-imposed process but was created by the art itself. Here is one example of his achromes.

Achrome by Manzoni

The next Manzoni work I pondered about was titled "Linee". Inside the cardboard tube, was a scroll containing a simple, black line that went from end to end. Individuals were given the opportunity to buy these labeled tubes complete with Manzoni's autograph, the work's description and the length of the scroll. Next, it was up to the buyer to decide whether or not to open the tube.

Manzoni's "Linee"

"Magical Base" is where Manzoni presents a pedestal shaped platform as if it was meant for a statue. In fact, it was meant for a statue....a living statue. Here he would have participants stand on the specified area indicated by the two footprints; therefore, turning the actual individual into an working art. Manzoni then applied his signature to the skin of the subject.

"Magical Base" by Manzoni

Another of his most famous concepts is using the human body in an artful way. Not only did Manzoni sell a kit containing a balloon and instructions where the buyer could create the intended art work, but  he also sold hard boiled eggs with his thumbprint representing his signature. It was then at the buyer's discretion to decide if they wanted to eat the Manzoni's boiled egg art or not.

"Uova con Impronta" by Manzoni

In addition to selling eggs with his thumbprint and his breath, he also sold "Artist's Shit". These cans are probably some of his most famous works. In 2008, "Artist's Shit" can # 83 sold for 97,000 Pounds.

Artit's Shit by Manzoni

Overall, the Piero Manzoni exhibition at the Palazza Reale in Milan comes in second out of the three exhibits I've seen there; slightly beating out Andy Warhol. Thanks WhereMilan for this amazing experience!

Day Trip: Milan to Bologna, Italy

Welcome to Bologna: Origin of the Bolognese Sauce

What can I say about the Italian city of Bologna? Well, let me start off by mentioning it is a MUST SEE location and totally reachable from Milan making it the perfect day trip. I hope you are ready for your virtual journey to Bologna, Italy, because here we go!

As I mentioned previously, Bologna is extremely easy to reach from Milan; it only takes a train ride. Depending on your comfort level for traveling (and your budget), you can reach the medieval Italian city between one to three hours from Milan Central Station. In our case we wanted to travel cheaply, so for 16 euros one-way we rode the regional train which took us nearly three hours to reach Bologna. If we spent about 25 more euros, the fast train would have gotten us there in about one hour. A word of advice: choose a train that gets you there before 10 am because there are a lot of places to see and things to do in Bologna. We ended up leaving at 8 pm and still didn't see everything we wanted to.

With origins dating back to about 1,000 BC, Bologna is now the 7th largest city in Italy based off population. From the Iron Age with the Villanovan culture to Celtics to Romans to Lombards, the city has been through many changes and served various purposes. This is the reason why Bologna is home to a wealthy assortment of structures portraying Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.  The below image is part of the Roman wall which surrounded the entire city at the time, and below the wall image is a small sample, about 0.0001%, of all the arches in the city. LOL!

Section of the Roman wall that surrounded the city

Only four of Bologna's mannnny arches

Arena del Sole Theater...and more arches

The next image was taken from inside of the University of Bologna, the world's oldest continuously operating university which held its first class in 1088 AD. The University also houses a very interesting free museum that we visited which was all about the university's students and campus life. Some of most notable alumni for the University of Bologna include three popes. Today, about 85,000 students are enrolled throughout the University's 23 schools.

Palazzo Poggi University Museum

The National Art Gallery of Bologna is another free attraction we visited. This gallery contains a vast collection of 13th-18th century paintings made by artists who have ties to the city of Bologna.

National Picture Gallery

One of Bologna's secrets happens to be its hidden system of canals. Before my trip, I had no clue bologna had canals until I crossed over one. This hydraulic system was created during the middle ages to bring not only water into the city for use but as a source for hydraulic energy. It was a nice surprise....I can't wait to see what Venice will be like.

Bologna Canal

Located near the town's main plaza, Piazza Maggiore, the 1567 Fountain of Neptune,complete with patinaed bronze, was a remarkable sight to see. (Also, a great photo op.)

Fountain of Neptune

As the heading of the post states, Bologna is the origin of everybody's favorite meat based sauce....Bolognese! So for lunch I had to try tortellini with bolognese sauce....I don't know if it was just psychological, but it was perhaps the best I ever had! Bologna is also known for their cured pork meats and cheeses. Unfortunately, I didn't try mortadella....Italy's version of American Bologna.

Tortellili Ragu alla Bolognese

Traditional Bologna Food

Some of Bologna's most famous landmarks are it's towers. It is said between the 12th and 13th centuries, Bologna had around 180 towers! Pictured below are the famous "Two Towers;" the smaller leaning one is called "Garisenda" and the tallest one is "Asinelli". At a cost of 3 euros, you can climb the old wooden staircase for a remarkable panoramic view from the 90 m high Asinelli tower. (This is my #1 recommendation of things to do when visiting Bologna)

The Two Towers (yes, one leans)

I made it to the top!

View from Asinelli Tower

View from Asinelli (notice the large Basilica...explained later))

The Churches and Basilicas of Bologna 

Bologna is home to many important churches and basilicas, and all come complete with outstanding architectural structure and intricate details. (Well, almost all do.) Sadly, many of the churches prohibited photos, but a few of them allowed them didn't. The basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore houses many artistic pieces from the Renaissance era, but they are located inside where photos were, in this case, prohibited. (At least the outside looks nice...right? LOL!)

Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore

Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano is widely known as the "Seven Churches." This might be primarily due to the fact the complex contains multiple basilicas. The basilica is even said to be built over a temple for the Egyptian goddess, Isis. Cool, right?!

Basilica and Sanctuary of Santo Stefano

Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Oldest part)

Located on the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio is unmissable. It is known to be the worlds 15th largest church with the vault of the ceiling reaching 148 ft into the air. One of the basilica's prominent features, is the uncompleted facade. On the inside, there is even a sundial embedded into the floor.

Basilica of San Petronio

The main alter in San Petronio's Basilica

The last photos are of a few more churches we had time to visit. If churches are your guilty pleasure, then by all means you best look for real estate in Bologna because you would be in heaven. LOL no pun intended.

Basilica and Sanctuary of San Domenico

Cathedral of San Pietro's main alter

Cathedral of San Pietro

San Francesco Basilica at night

After a full day of sightseeing and walking, it was nice to take a load off our feet on the three hour train ride back to Milan. It was an unbelievable day full of sights not common to me as a rural Iowan...let alone an American. I leave you with a pic of the "boy band" travelers:

David, Lance (me) and Jitin

Day Trip: Milan to Bergamo

Bergamo: An Historic Walk in the Altitudes

At just about 25 miles northeast of Milan sits the Italian city of Bergamo, and it is the place to be on sunny, pleasantly warm Sunday in March. Reaching Bergamo from Milan is easy, quick, and inexpensive; thus, making it the perfect day trip destination. It only took the group of six (Nico, Vir, David, Dani, Manu, and myself) a short ride on the green metro line to the Porta Garibaldi train station, a €4.55 train ticket (that's right...an one-way ticket for under €5) using an automated ticketing station, and an one hour long train ride to reach the remarkable Italian town.

Sources say Bergamo is the 2nd most visited city in the Lombardy region...right after Milan, of course. The most distinctive characteristic of the city happens to be the city's two centers; Citta Alta, the historic part situated on top of a hill surrounded by 17th century defensive walls, and Citta Bassa which is the newer area wrapping itself around the base of the hill. The upper and lower sections of the city are connected with roads, stairs, and a cable car making it easily accessible for anyone.

Citta Alta is above the wall; Citta Bassa sits below

Pretty much the entire day was spent up in the historic Citta Alta section of the city. One of the most spectacular sights I've seen since my arrival in Italy is the La Rocca di Bergamo (The Fortress of Bergamo). The medieval castle with its towers and thick walls depict history quite well....dominance and authority. Today, it is a fantastic observation point providing scenic,panoramic views of Bergamo.

Panoramic view of Bergamo

View of Citta Bassa from la Rocca

View of Citta Alta from la Rocca

Just as in Milan, and I assume other Italian cities, the cathedrals were extravagant. In Bergamo, I visited two of the more prominent ones...the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cathedral of Bergamo. Both located right next to each other near the town square, Palazzo della Ragione which sits on the location of the old town square called Piazza Vecchia.

The "emotional wall" in Citta Alta...I call it that because of the faces lining the top. LOL

Buildings along a street in Citta Alta

The Facade of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore's detailed dome

The Main Alter in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore 

 Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Inside the Cathedral of Bergamo

Street leading towards the Duomo Plaza

I can compare Bergamo to nothing in the United States; therefore, making it one of northern Italy's unique gems.

The Travelers (Nico, Vir, Manu, Dani, and David) 

Mind-blowing Exhibits at Pirelli HangarBicocca

When I say "contemporary art," what do you think of? Cement towers that are seven stories high? A used shipping container filled with old operating motors? Well, what I experienced at HangarBicocca is perhaps the best visual definition of the term!

"Iliokatakiniomumastilopsarodimakopiotita"

The first exhibit I will explain is their temporary one created by Italian artist, Micol Assael, titled "Iliokatakiniomumastilopsarodimakopiotita." (Done on purpose, the name is a bunch of Greek words combined to make no sense at all.) The exhibit space contained five cells/environments where Assael provides the viewer with an opportunity to absorb the beauty of what is taking place though sound, smell, sight, and feel. 

Micol Assael's, 432Hz. 

During this work, the exhibitor enters a large wooded room only to notice a series of frames containing backlit wax drawings accompanied with the hum of bees; think beehive. The work is called 432Hz because that is the frequency of the bee's hum.

Vorkuta

Referencing the artist's trip to Siberia, this is the coldest exhibit with an environment temperature of -30 degrees Celsius. (It might be because it is inside a refrigerator LOL) Vorkuta is the name of a mining town in the bitter cold northern part of Russia.

Assael's, Sub

Rather cool, this work is pure science. It uses dripping water as a pure source to create an electrical charge.

Mindfall

The smell of "fatigue", or just running electric motors and oil, happens to be what's inside this environment. With 21 old running motors, making music only a mechanic can love, there is an obvious reason why you are only allowed to stay inside for three minutes.

I think the video speaks for itself and explains Micol Assael's work titled, "Untitled," quite well.

The Seven Heavenly Palaces

Another more permanent exhibition is by the famed contemporary artist, Anselm Kiefer. When I first set eyes on Kiefer's exhibit, my first impression was simply jaw-dropping awe. Standing before me were seven concrete towers wieghing about 90 tons each and they looked like kid stacked building blocks. Each individual tower had a theme it followed.

Kiefer's Seven Heavenly Palaces...are you in Awe?

Tower 2: Melancholia...Each shard of glass represents
NASA classification numbers for stars.

Towers 5 & 6: JH & WH... Meteorites with symbolic meanings based off writings in the Kabbalah.

Just me,,,always asking random people to take a photo for me LOL