Author: Kameron

This week we walked countless steps throughout the city, however, the majority of the walking took place throughout various museums and exhibitions within Milan. One of these exhibitions was held at the Palazzo Reale and featured works primarily from Umberto Boccioni, an influential Italian artist who helped shaped the style of the Futurism Movement in the early 1900s.

While the exhibit displayed various pieces of Boccioni’s work, the ones in which movement were more noticeable seemed to catch my attention the most. His work all conveyed emotional connections and stories, however, the movement that was captured within his later pieces (more futuristic) seemed heavier in emotional response and comprehension. Although I admired all of the pieces, I was captivated and intrigued by one particular painting and sculpture on display at this exhibit.

‘The City Rises’ (1910) is a painting by Boccioni that captures the movement and growth of a modern city during the time period. And although dark and full of movement, there seems to be an appreciation of the direction the city is taking and an encouragement of continuing to support the modern city. There seems to be a horse that is uncontrollable within the environment and the people are working together to reclaim order, which can be seen as struggle to achieve a greater end goal, as well as a shift in levels of importance between nature/ animals and futuristics visions of the urban environment.

The second piece of work that intrigued me the most was the iconic sculpture, Unique Forms in Continuity of Space (1913). This bronze sculpture of a man, who seems to be of machine-like qualities, exemplifies the movement that many of Boccioni’s paintings had captured. Although made of metal and full of well-defined sculptural lines, this sculpture seems to be capturing movement in a second of time with a fluidity incomparable to that of the two-dimensional paintings. Although this piece was created a few years later than the painting, ‘The City Rises’, I believe there is a similar notion of wanting to continue moving forward and exploring the possibilities for the modern world.

Upon our arrival in Milano, I was not confident in where my attention would be focused. Being primarily interested in architecture and the urban environment, I felt that may attention could be focused on an array of things in the city. However, one of the first things that caught my eye was the various forms and patterns of ground covering throughout the city.

Milan is obviously a very historic and artistic city, which I believe encourages the array of ground coverage and flooring that I have observed thus far. The first eye-catcher, in my opinion, was at The Duomo and Galleria adjacent. The patterns are simple and geometrical, not extravagant or bright, but they seem to add an appreciated element around and within these spaces in my personal opinion.

I was hesitant to be completely focused on flooring and ground coverage throughout the duration of our trip for the sketchbook assignment, however, after more exploration around Milan, I felt assured in my decision. The flooring found on the ground floor of the main Triennale event was more extravagant and slightly more colorful, yet it too had a primary element of geometry and spacial definition. This flooring has been one of the less geometrical flooring patterns that I have come across, however, it utilized the same mosaic tiling that can be seen throughout the city and its surroundings.

So far, my sketchbook is an array of geometric patterns and mostly neutral colors, however, I believe the consistency within the array is an important observation that has been documented. Although many flooring patterns have had similar structures/ designs, each space is unique and intriguing for their own reasons. I hope to continue my observations across the city and its surroundings over the next two weeks to further document unique patterns and consistencies throughout the city.

 

Culture shock is a real thing and was definitely experienced within days of arriving in Milano. Not knowing Italian was challenge number one, however, the lifestyle itself has been an adjustment. Coming from Austin, Texas, the city life of Milano did not, at first, seem as if it would much more complicated to adjust to. Boy, was I wrong. Recycling is taken to a whole new level in Milan versus the often notoriously ‘tree hugger’ environment of Austin. As if the three separate trash bins in the apartment were not already intimidating enough, there is also another bin found under the sink or on the balcony for compost! I love that recycling is much more strictly enforced here. Although intimidating at first, I believe that it can truly make a difference as long as it is being enforced. Ironically enough, the use of plastic bottles is out of control though. Water filtering is obviously not as big of a deal here since every restaurant will serve bottled water over tap water and there are not really any refill stations. Whereas Americans see water as something to be provided, Italians see it as another commodity to be purchased.

---

Another change from Austin to Milano has been the transportation. Although Austin is decent to be able to travel by foot or bike, the automotive transportation is completely different. It may be that we are limited to not being able to drive while we are here, but I believe that even if we were provided that means of personal transportation, it would be meaningless. Milan is much more easily navigated by bus or metro and is more conveniently designed. Austin is thankfully equipped with a public transportation system that most American cities are lacking, however, the convenience and ease of use are far from that I have experienced in Milano. Austin is much more driven by the personal vehicle, much like the majority of America, but Milano is in favor of the pedestrian, biker, and user of public transport.

---

The change is lifestyles has definitely been culture shock, however, it has been a refreshing change from the typical American lifestyle. Adapting to the ways of strict recycling has become easier and seems more rewarding and motivational to enforce back home. Navigating transportation has been exciting, although occasionally stressful, and rewarding. Finding new places and learning to get around this new place that we will call home for the month is incredible. And while the amount of walking may be absurd when looking at the number of steps or the total distance traveled, it is never noticed at the moment due to the wonderful experience that is surrounding our every move. This is only the beginning, but I am already sad about having to leave so soon. Tomorrow begins the second week of adventures- here we go!