Author: Italoeuropeo

A religion made of symbols: “Ascending with Christ giving keys to St. Peter

In this world there are many kinds of opposite feelings and opinions; in fact some people think that the relationship between humanity and the world could exist only thanks to science, but on the other hand some believe that truth would be a continuous investigation, maybe helped by faith in some divinity.
Also the great artist Donatello, from Florence, believes in this second opinion.
Together with other artists of his time, they shared beliefs which weren’t very shared by Catholic church, although quite common in public opinion;

However Donatello had these beliefs, which were changed in symbols within masterpieces, to express the concept of salvation derived from Christian faith, and maybe the totality of Christian would hold out their hands to his salvation. Like St. Peter in one of the above mentioned artist’s masterpieces: “The ascension with Christ giving the keys to St. Peter whose copy is situated in the “Victoria and Albert museum of London”.
Here the image of Christ stays in the middle of the relief and it is surrounded by a circle of people whose various pious persons form part of. So, there is the presence of a circle of people: a lot of experts of esoteric theories could affirm that the circle has got a determinate meaning about artistic symbology.
In fact the circle, that is the absolute element of perfection and unity, indicates something that hasn’t neither a begin or a end. This fact is certainly a reference to Greek’s philosophy about the so called “circular theory” of time. This theor has been eliminated with Messiah’s advent; but now this theory is expressed by Donatello referring to eternal life, here symbolised by ascension of Jesus.


However the circle has got also other meanings about field of this masterpiece; in fact it represents the spiritual dimension and intellectual one of mankind. The circle, compared to the square, indicates the contrast between spiritual field and material one, and this is a concept surely embodied by the figure of Jesus ascending.
Christ isn’t surrounded only by his apostles, who are arranged in circle, but also by some ‘Cherubim’ angels. Cherubim would be supernatural beings which are present in Hebraic religion first and then also mentioned in Christian religion.. They had the duty to defend the way for “Life’s tree, but in this artwork they don’t exercise again this task because here Jesus represents the metaphor of “Life’s tree” whose entrance now is free for everyone, contrary to Adam and Eva’s time.
In fact, within this masterpiece, apostles stay between Jesus and Cherubins Angels Because they have the duty to defend, and apostles couldn’t stay so close to Jesus Christ.
In many Christian masterpieces, the concept of rebirth is connect to Trinity’s one; Obviously this concept is also present in above-mentioned Donatello’s artwork, not because there are images regarding God or Holy Spirit. In fact there is a triangle made up of heads of Jesus, Mary and St. Peter; but in despite of the Christian meaning, the triangle presents determinate symbolic values. Some Greek or Roman philosophies considered it as the foundation of world’s creation, because all geometric elements except for circular ones, could be divided in various triangles. However also in Christian religion the triangle can be connected to the creation’s beginning, because our would was created by Trinity itself, according to Bible’s doctrine.

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So, there are a lot of esoteric symbols within the artworks of these great artists; maybe they, through these symbols, wanted to reproduce in miniature the great “drawing of God”.

ITALIAN IN LONDON:THE GENERAL CONSUL ANSWERS

LONDON – After a brief presentation to the Consul,regarding our investigation which take into account 2000 English people opinion, we decided to ask the Consul some queries in order to have better knowledge on the image of Italians and the 2015 EXPO in Milan.

Q: How do you think Italians are view in English people’s opinion especially in this period that London is the favourite destination for the one who are leaving their native country?
A: There is a high number of Italians in London. Currently there are about 260000 Italians in England, which offers many opportunities for Italians to find a job and gain experience. Young Italians remain linked to the three F: Ferrari,food and fashion.

Q: What is the British people opinion about Italian workers?
A: The impression of the English people about Italian workers is positive, Also thanks to the fact that the half of the Italians registered at AIRE are currently working.

Q: How come are Italians attracted byU.K. and in particular in the city ofLondon?
A: First of all Italians are attracted by the U.K due to its geographical position
United Kingdom is considered very attractive also for the English language, many Italians come here to improve it. Learning English is considered easier compared to learning French or German.
Lastly they are very attracted by the capital London.

Q: About the last news concerning Theresa May, do you think that they(who?) could influence the UK referendum?
A: The questions is much more complex than it seems. It is a matter primarily of political issue, but no one could deprive the freedom of someone to move from one continent to another.

Q: If this reform will be carried on, what is going to happen about the Italian immigrants’ situation?
A: This topic becomes more difficult Because there is not a precise forecast of the immigration flow.
After this reform it could be more complicated for Italians to move to England.

Q: A small percentage of English people knows about EXPO,about you there is a disinterested or the problemi is the English information?
A: Many British workers are traveling to visit the EXPO,they are taking advantage of that to visit also the city of Milan and othe Itaian cities.I don’t know exactly the reason, maybe the communication.

Q:What is EXPO going to bring to our country according to your opinion? Which of these things are going to remain as a resouce to the country?

A: Despite it takes place in Italy, it involves not only the country in question, but also the rest of the world, as it allows the promotion of products coming from various areas.
Q: So what did Italy learn thanks to the EXPO?
A: The EXPO can be related to any kind of people without any age distinction . It is important because it refers to nutrition which is necessary to our life.
Q: Do you think EXPO could reinforce the relations among all the countries in the world?
A: EXPO is actually a big occasion for different countries all over the world. Milan and the Italian government have choosenthis topic or theEXPO because they thought this subject was right for this exposition.
Q: What does Italy need to become a competitive nation in the political and economic field?
A:The statistic numbers reguarding Italian economy are very positive. Italy is in fact the seventh or the eighth world power. The GDP has also started to grow.
Q: Would you like to live here or in Italy?
A: Italy is my country, I’m from Rome and I was born there. Obviously in Italy there is more flexibility between the people habits and for the respect of regulations. However, I’m happy to live here, but Italy is still my country.
Q: What do you think about English people? what do you thonk is their best quality? A: One of the best qualities of the English people is the respect they got for rules and for meritocracy that is the basis of British culture. Emergency management is more complicated than in Italy. Another important quality is that they are very laborious.
Finally we wanted to thanks the Consul for hes availability and the time he spent with us offering us a great experience, which will be very useful for the success of our article.

 

Italian culture, between abyss and glory

Nowadays Italians are spread worldwide.
Italy is regarded as one of the most important countries in the world because of the cooking and the design
Even if in the past many Italian cities have been considered as capitals of literature, at least in Europe is it possible to consider today’s Italy as a cultural model?It is probable! Indeed Ornella Tarantola, owner of the only Italian bookshop in London, affirms that also our English friends would be really interested in learning Italian language and the antique and modern Italian culture

For sure this is quite a strange fact because it is known that the English language is the most spread worldwide
However Ornella Tarantola, who has been interviewed by Italoeuropeo’s journalists, into her bookshop, has confirmed the great love and interest of English people for all artistic elements which are connected to Italian culture.
 In fact ,according to her declarations, the number of English customers frequenting her bookshop would be higher than Italian ones.
Now it would be legitimate to wonder:’ have Italians conformed to globalisation starting to read English books, or, on the other hand, did English people started to be more interested in the culture of countries, like Italy, where English is ficially the second language?
The answer of this question is very simple thanks to the differences and contrasts between various Areas.
One of these contrasts is represented by the conflict between emerging online culture, which is paradoxically diffused above all in Italy now, and paper journal’s culture.

This element doesn’t determinate only the economic field of literary production, but it also shape the mind of the people, accustoming them a fast information and so inducing persons to search materialistic kind of news, and not spiritual or ideological one.

[photo Ornella Tarantola] 

There are certainly exceptions which could be symbolised by people frequenting “Italian bookshop”, whose manageress is Ornella Tarantola, situated in the area of Piccadilly Circus, in London.
The opinion of Ornella is very important because she has managed this shop for more than twenty years.
According to her ideas, the writing of books, in general, would grow continuously through different languages, historical times and points of view.
Ornella affirmed that today’s decadence of Italian culture is caused also by political elements and it is exactly for this cause that she answered really enthusiastically when one of Italoeuropeo’s journalist exclaimed: “we are the constructers of our future”.
Another of above-mentioned contrasts is represented by some young Italians willing to stop the cultural decadence of Italy, before than this decadence could fall in an abyss without any return. Obviously it could be necessary to understand if is the globalisation a positive or negative element to reach cultural safety.
On the other hand globalisation itself causes the encounter between different cultures this explains the fact that many English people, walking in Piccadilly’s zone, have the intuition to discover part of Italian cultural aspects.
Therefore is the globalisation really important in this case? Maybe yes considering the most important of two aspects before-mentioned.
Therefore even if the world’s countries will lose part of their characteristics, this will anyway stay written within books and many persons may use them to meet the traditions of other nations.

A big white cloud on Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an important district in London, where there are many stores, buskers and, in particular, an installation of a French artist, Charles Pètillon, called Heartbeat. It is long 54 meters and large 12, it contains 100.000 white balloons made of latex, which are twisted together and animated by a light game: in this way they appear as a big cloud. Balloons represent a universal symbol of joy, the artist wants to change the way in which people perceive the space.

There are two important characteristics of this artwork, one is the pulsation of the white light, that symbolises the beating of the heart, from which derives the name of this installation. The other characteristic is the great dimension of the composition,which represent a cloud whose energy produces the dynamism of the district.

The installation’s effect of contemporary art is poetic. Another intent of Pètillon is to give, at Covent Garden, with his work, the role of “heart” of London. The artwork, , appears characteristic and lively. At the same time it emanates a particular atmosphere,which is highly appreciated. This installation has become very important because It raised the interest of many people.

Osborne’s Proposal

Theresa May is the Secretary of State for Home Department.About one week ago she proposed the closure of the national borders because of many further immigrants who are planning to arrive in Unite Kingdom in search of economic and psychological help.In her opinion,the fault of this phenomenon is directy related to the near East’s war.
But European Union gave her a negative response and there’s no way to persuading it.
According to European’s Council the fact that only some countries of UE accept refugees and immigrants except England, is not possible and maybe not even fair.

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Finally George Gideon Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, pronounces a very brave proposal about new economic strategy which need to be adopted by UK’s government about immigration’s field.
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He even suggested to assign some money, coming from existing immigrants payments, to the different zone’s councils, in order to give hospitality to refugees.
Beside part of the money is going to be sent to other countries in particular Turkey and Syria, which more than others are the countries fighting against terroristic groups like Isis.

This fact is considered very important in the political field, because it shows a welcoming feeling towards less fortunate countries.
The chancellor wants to allocate refugees within member states of UK.
David Cameroon says his opinion and how many Syrians could get in the UK.
Justin Greening yesterday said that it should be a proud for the country to have already given nearly 1 billion of aid to Syria.
There was also an intervention of Pope Francis inviting Europeans to accept refugees in their homes; In fact, a lot of British politicians have admitted their goodwill to welcome them.
For sure this shows a good image of a country which in the past conquered many other coutries, but now shows itself as very open toward world’s need.

Minds beyond psychological borders

Humans consider esoteric symbols and subliminal messages as modern ideas to induce people to buy a determinate product or to vote for a political party.
Most of the time no one would think that there are those kind of messages in some of the most important artistic masterpieces in the history. So, “messages from other times”. In fact, humans often believe that those messages, now used principally in marketing’s strategies, were born in the 18th century during the famous Revolution’s time.

It is difficult to forget the many school lessons about the quarrels between Montagnards and Girondins during French Revolution, the disputes from English colonies in America against King George III of England and about the consequences of Industrial Revolution in social and economic field.
Some people could believe that the result of these events have been established in advance by secret companies. If this manipulation of historic events has been real, it has led to a positive result because, the consequences of above-mentioned events have improved our today’s life both in economic and social field. On the other hand it is very important to underline that “evil puppeteer of this world” made use of the most important geniuses and artists of history, to manipulate human mind and prepare it for future projects, utilising esoteric elements from the oldest civilities, Greek philosophy and even present in the first centuries of Christian age.

One of most important representatives of this symbolism, in the artistic field, has certainly been Leonardo da Vinci. In Leonardo’s masterpieces nothing has been placed accidentally, everything has a determinate meaning, according to its message.
In fact everyone can analyse one of his paintings, which is situated at Sainsbury, an area of the famous n

ational gallery of London; this masterpiece is named: “The Virgin of the rocks”; but first of all we need to answers to some questions:
If Leonardo was Italian why this painting is now kept in London?
The answer is simple. The masterpiece belonged before to a confraternity, when it shut, the painting was given by Cicognara’s count to an English painter, Gavin Hamilton. He carried it in England, where the canvas continued its way between the different owners. Like many others masterpieces of that ages, this one present a hidden drawing.

This fact was been discovered after an analysis during 2005;
Apart from the scientific analysis there were also interpretative opinions about it.


To understand better this canvas it is necessary to divide it in various parts, it is easy to note Maria sitting in the middle of the painting, as she has the function to connect the left side to righ one of the painting. These two sides would represent the human’s point of view and divines one respectively, In fact John the Baptiste and the left part of Mary are certainly human figure, even Mary who is human but burn without original sin, so containing “a divine spark within herself”.
Finally on the right side, it is possible to note Jesus as a child, a God who became human. A figure surely belonging to a mankind. The distance of physical connection which is carried out by Mary’s position, is balanced by important exchange of glances and gestures that connect the various figures, thus the various dimensions.

No one could commit the mistake of thinking that there are only these mentioned elements about Leonardo’s canvas; it isn’t in fact possible to enter into the mind of these geniuses, for sure very different from other common mortals.

Sport really improves London?

Sport is an activity which has attracted humans since its ancient beginning.
Sometimes sport is not seen in its complexity and, paradoxically, that’s what makes it special. Infact if one thinks of a sportive park, like the Olympic Park of London where we have been yesterday, many things could be seen from various points of view.
For example it is possible to notice the great contrast between the busy and noisy life of the city and the quietness of the green sportive park.

The most of interviewed people at London Olympic Park, affirmed that it is this quietness, which there is also in places such as libraries, that make easier to live in the frenzied London’s life.
Surely this aspect induces to think that the above-mentioned park has taken away a lot of moneys from Londoner’s hands for a plan not very much profitable.
Well not: many people don’t know very well that Olympic Park helped very well to improve the East of Stratford’s area. The area was demoted, which is a synonymous of dangerous, but today one can simply see many people, also belonging to different nations, bringing their children at the park to play and spend happy days.
The economic value of this park is visible above all in the fact that about 25000 men will work in this area: this fact is really helpful to trace the sketch of a city which is considered as one of the most important European city in economy.
The Olympic Park was the location of the Olympic and Paralympic games during the summer of 2012, far the third time in England, after 60 years. 

Some people of London, interviewed at the Park, has a good memory and opinion of the Olympic games, above all about fraternity’s mind which pooled various sharing countries. During the opening ceremony 95 premiers from all over the world took part at the event.
In conclusion, sport has not national borders and it improves us to make a better future.

MILANO EXPOSED

Londra-The made in Italy, chose Shoreditch, the hipster area of London, to taste the authentic Italian aperitif, on the 3rd and the 4th of September. Although there different Italian kitchens were present, as for example the Sicilian one, this event wanted to focus attention about Milan style.
Not only food but even music and shows warmed the cold atmosphere of London.: the evening show was entertained by Luca Vullo, a Sicilian film director and producer of his two docu-fiction: “The voice of body” and “Influx”. Every guest was amused by Luca’s show which introduced Italian gestures.

This initiative is not bizarre, because it consists in comparing two different cultures, learning their values and defects. Luca summarized all with one sentence “English people drink to seem Italians; Italians drink to speak English better”.
Also the fair was an opportunity to sponsor the famous EXPO, since a big percentage of English people don’t know it. However the final goal of the fair was to improve the Italian exchange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discovering Modern and Pop Art at the Tate Modern

Discovering Modern and Pop Art at the Tate Modern

London -Millions of tourists visit the Tate Modern Museum in London every year. … READ MORE

September calendar of Italian films in London

London, 7 September 2015 – September calendar of Italian films in London will focus on films made by women. Both directors Francesca Archibugi and Ludovica Fales will be present at the screening of her own film at Genesis Cinema at 6.30 pm, each one will take part in a Q &A and will meet the audience afterwards.

This coming Sunday 13th September CinemaItaliaUK will show the documentary “Fear and Desire” by Ludovica Fales and on Sunday 27th the feature film “Il Nome del Figlio” (An Italian name) by Francesca Archibugi.

Commenting the screening in London, Francesca Archibugi says: ”I believe that cinema has always united different countries. The more a film expresses its world of origin, the more interesting it is for other cultures. I tell the story of an Italian family from Rome, and I hope that UK audiences will understand more about us, what we are like and what interests us.

I really like movies which emanate the very essence of their own country. However, one has to be very very accurate and in some ways ‘local’ in the hope, paradoxically, to be able to express stories, characters and feelings which are universal. For this reason Jean Luc Godard says that cinema is a window on the world”.

Her film “Il Nome del Figlio” is inspired by the French play “Le prénom” but explores social aspects and politics in Italy today. It tells the story of the extrovert Paolo and his beautiful wife Simona who is expecting a baby. At a dinner with Betta and Sandro, the refined and intellectual couple, and Claudio, the eccentric musician, one simple question will lead to an argument which will spoil the evening: the name of Paolo and Simona’s son. “Il Nome del Figlio” is a comedy starring Italian famous actors Alessandro Gassman, Valeria Golino, Luigi Lo Cascio, Rocco Papaleo and Micaela Ramazzotti.

The documentary “Fear and Desire” is about contemporary dance: the audience of a small derelict village in Southern Italy is slowly captured by the unusual charm of the instinctive and provocative dance of a group of non-professional dancers, thus revealing the mysterious power of an art which equals life itself.

The screening, in Italian with English subtitles, will be followed by a Q&A hosted by Adele Tullli and by the live performance “Stop and Dance with me” with IfHuman dancers Cecilia Ligorio, Paola Michelini, Thomas Coumans end Herve’ Guerrisi. In October CinemaItaliaUK will celebrate its first anniversary with the screening of the film “Via Castellana Bandiera” (A Street in Palermo) by Emma Dante, on Wednesday 21st October 7.30pm at Regent Street Cinema, 7.30pm start.

What is the Human Being doing?

Since the Industrial Revolution, the human being began to destroy the environment where he used to live, to satisfy his needs. With their actions, humans devastated a lot of ecosystems. 

In the Natural History Museum, there is an area dedicated to this topic, particularly to the Ecology, a part of natural science that studies the ecosphere. In this section the Ecology is presented in various forms such as “Factors that limit life – in the oceans”, “Factors that limit life – on the land”, “Ozone’s hole”, “Environment changes”.
In the oceans, animals and plants can live thanks to temperature, light, clarity, nutrients and depth, but the integrity of the marine ecosystem is compromised by the water pollution, caused by the discharge of toxic waste in the water and by acid rains. In the land, life is guaranteed by the temperature, the daylight and the rainfall, but it is compromised by the air pollution.

For what concern the Ozone, it is an important gas that regulates the entry of sun’s rays and in particular the ultra-violet radiation. With the increase of air pollution, the layer of the Ozone in the atmosphere has been damaged: now it presents a hole which endangers the safety of the Earth causing an increase of the greenhouse effect and also many Environment changes. 


In the Ecology area of the Natural History Museum we can also find a section dedicated to waste recycling and to decrease of the atmosphere pollution.
What people can learn visiting this section is that it is important to avoid human’s self-destruction and how we can do with little daily action.