Museo del Novecento: Refusing Extinction of Innovation
Almost immediately upon entering the galleries of Museo Novecento. one comes across a wall of black and white photographs. A young boy, staring into the camera. A table set, awaiting its occupants. A line of people gazing intently upon sketches on a wall.
The images seem indiscriminate; yet, somehow, when gazing upon them as a whole, they bring an acknowledgement to people, humanity, life. Faces and figures, each with their own story, each carrying their own weight. And each lost in art: the art of human interaction or art in the more traditional sense, with drawings, theatrics and music touched upon in the various scenes.
These photos depicted scenes, people, and photos from Zona, a non profit art space in Florence with the goal of bringing contemporary art to a city so consumed by the art of its past. Zona sought to bring artists to experimentation with the various forms of expression, interlacing visual arts, music, architecture and poetry.
Beneath the photo collage from the Zona collection is a television playing clips from the avant-garde video production art/tapes/22 and interviewing those involved in the movement. “Success didn’t matter,” said a woman interviewed. “It’s the energy you put into it and the joy of creating.”
The projects created through Zona and art/tapes/22 encouraged exploration of a variety of art forms. It was a spirit of experimentation and openness to what could be discovered by moving outside the limits of traditional media. Medium or style did not matter. What mattered was the beauty of creation.
This spirit of innovation is one carried into the various exhibits of Museo Novecento. The museum embraces a variety of art forms and styles, appreciating all that contemporary art has to offer. Sculptures range in medium from colored ceramic to wood. Beyond sculptures, the canvases also range in style. Some display archaic undertones while others had pop art influences.
The innovative spirit displayed in the variety of contemporary art forms and styles is especially critical in a city with such rich artistic heritage. When Da Vinci and Botticelli are so adored, the talents of artistic contemporaries can be largely overshadowed. Museo Novacento, like art/tapes/22 and Zona, champions on behalf of contemporary artists and is committed to making sure the value and talent of these artists is not overlooked.
The museum also parallels the spirit of the Zona projects in its crossover of art forms. Videos and music are carefully integrated into the experience, bringing a new facet to the artistic expressions displayed.
A painting of beautiful orange blossoms can be appreciated in its own merit. But, when gazed upon and coupled with a sweet, classical melody streaming softly in the background, the experience is even further enhanced.
Florence no doubt offers an incredible display of art, but it is not just the Uffizi that deserves recognition. Contemporary art is alive and well and Museo Novecento can show you just that.