A quick last note on Milan. Take a 15 minute cab ride south west of the city center to Largo Israco 2, in the Porta Romana neighborhood, to the Fondazione Prada that opened in May of 2015. The complex of ten buildings has been designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas on the site of an old distillery. Now Milan's newest and largest contemporary art gallery, with performance space and eating space, it not only blends new and old, it also combines materials in a most unexpected way.
Gold gilding of 24-karat gold is juxtaposed against cement, mirrors, stucco and cross cut wood. A series of buildings are both organized and maze like - an experience in themselves. Performance space allows seats on cubes, platforms and soft cubes for nearly constant exhibition of movement that changes at whim.
Although there are many varied installation and gallery pieces, it's a joy to stumble on these Giacometti inspired pieces. Always a favorite sculptor and artist, these pieces put the idea of his woman in an entirely new context. Something you thought was familiar, now needs to be re-examined. 
Far less disturbing than the GYN-fishbowl examination room or some of the multimedia and video work. You will certainly stop, think and enjoy the wide variety of offerings, as well as the architect true itself.
The Prada opening, like Louis Vutton in Paris, comes at a time when direct investment from luxury good brands are beginning to fill a void left by government cutbacks. But, if for no other reason, going to the Prada Foundation will give you the opportunity to see a different, yet historical, part of Milan. Spend a morning or a few hours in the afternoon. You will be so pleased that you did.
No comments:
Post a Comment