By Nevan Beatty
Photos by the Author
In a city so infused with art, it is easy to miss out on some of the more obscure and stunning galleries Florence has to offer. Museo Marino Marini holds a collection of hidden gems you don’t want to miss.
Located in the Piazza di S. Pancrazio, this museum offers a charming escape from Florence’s ongoing chaotic buzz. The museum is open from Friday to Sunday, providing a nice quiet contrast to the hectic weekend life.
Featured here is an array of beautiful pieces from ancient sculptures to a limited time exhibit displaying works from Brazilian artist, feminist, and environmentalist Louise Manzon. With free entry and welcoming staff, the museum is a perfect weekend destination for those who are passionate about engaging with timeless art.
The current featured exhibit by Manzon is titled “Aion.”
Aion is a concept of infinite time, associated with human migration as an eternal human instinct. Each piece tells a story of migration and the universal desire to break free from unenjoyable things and places.
While the exhibit only consists of three sculptures, I could not pull myself away. Through her sculptures of the female form, she embodies a theme of infinite female power: nurturing and transcendent. The title of her exhibit intertwines these aspects of femininity and sustainability through their timeless natures.
A capturing part of the exhibit is the way Manzon incorporates sustainability into her work, showing that art can be beautiful through using a multitude of materials and by providing hope for our future in such a visually powerful way. This exhibit is universally appealing because it shows that being environmentally conscious can be displayed through a variety of platforms. Not only was the art stunning and uplifting, but the museum itself maintained a welcoming and positive vibe for the entirety of my stay.