Today we went to Fort Belvedere, which is behind the Boboli
Gardens. The Fort, built in the 16th century, is an impressive and imposing
architectural structure. It served to protect the city, the Pitti Palace, and
the Medici family. The views from the grounds provide a spectacular 360 view of
the city and it serves as a fantastic site for major art exhibitions. Currently
the contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Huan's massive four head six-armed Buddha
is situated on site here, as well other stunning works from his Soul and Matter
exhibition.
After a steep climb (and I do mean steep) we reached the
fort by 9:30 to discover that it didn't open unti 10am, so we rest and have a group
advising session. When the massive gates open we are faced with an almost
perpendicular set of stairs. Finally arriving at the top we discover, to my
surprise, there is an entrance fee! The fort is free for locals...what!? Well
we're here now.
Later, Professor Emeritus Sal Scalora former faculty member,
former Director of the Contemporary Art Galleries and The William Benton Museum
of Art, joins us. His Italian travels have taken him from Sicily, where he
was an Artist-In-Residence, to Florence, and then on to Venice to see the
Biennale. He enjoyed giving the students a little impromptu advice. Grazi
Professor Scalora! -Professor Dancy
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