Villa Romana, a historic residence in Florence dedicated to contemporary art, is hosting two events in October. The first event is the exhibition “a house is a house is a home,” which will run until November 19, 2023. The exhibition explores themes of decanonization, migration, and diasporic belonging, as well as ecological sustainability and infrastructure creation. The second event takes place in Villa Romana’s expansive garden, which has been transformed into a space for reflection and action. In October, the garden will host a gathering and celebration of collective cultivation and harvest. The new director of Villa Romana is Elena Agudio, an Italian art historian and curator with a focus on decolonization and sustainability. The exhibition features the works of the four Villa Romana Fellows for 2023 – Diana Ejaita, Jessica Ekomane, Samuel Baah Kortey, and Pınar Öğrenci. The diverse works range from video and sound installations to painting and permanent installations in the guest rooms. The exhibition also includes guided tours by the director, who explains each artwork. Villa Romana aims to be a laboratory for critical reflection and social experimentation, with a focus on issues such as racism and discrimination. The program emphasizes practices of domesticity and conviviality, as well as the exploration of diasporic belonging and migration experiences. The exhibition and events at Villa Romana aim to foster dialogue and collaboration with organizations and institutions that share a vision for art and the planet. The events in the garden include seed exchanges, workshops, and performances that explore the relationship between humans and plants and the theme of diasporic belonging. The events are open to all ages and offer a space for reflection on the treatment of migrant agricultural communities and the displacement of plants. The exhibition and events at Villa Romana celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and sustainability, and invite visitors to participate in collective cultivation and reflection.
Alla (ri)scoperta di Villa Romana, villa storica contemporanea.
Firenze Villa Romana, una villa storica contemporanea da (ri)scoprire. GN