The next morning of our field trip was a free one- we were allowed to explore on our own or join Professor Wasserman on a number of site visits. Most of us opted to explore on our own, exploring the narrow side-streets of the city and learning more about the local community. Some of us decided to visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses an immense collection of ancient statues and artifacts, ranging from Pompeii to Roman antiquities.
After spending the morning exploring, we gathered together to leave for Procida, a small island located 45 minutes away from the coast of the main city. With the weather cooperating and the warm sun shining down on us, it was hard to believe that it was truly the middle of November. Upon arrival to the small island, we headed towards the home and studio of Maria Gloria Conti Bicocchi, an incredible artist and even more incredible individual.
As we climbed up the stairs, we were greeted by Maria, who had arranged a massive array of freshly baked pastries, oranges picked straight from the garden, and freshly brewed tea just for our visit. She gave us a swift tour of her home and studio, showing some old work and well as work given to her by friends. As we sat down to enjoy the delicious treats she had prepared for us, she began discussing her past work and artistic relationships, some of which included Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Bill Viola. Bicocchi, who is considered to be the grandmother of video art in Italy, began creating work around the 70’s, a time in which video art was considered to be extremely radical. Subsequently, she attracted the attention of other avant-garde artists, including renowned artist Bill Viola, who interned for her at that time. One of her dear friends was Andy Warhol, someone who she described as relatively shy and quiet, creating work for the sake of art, rather than for fame. We couldn’t help but be completely mesmerized by Maria Gloria, a humble woman who had completed so much in her life. After she finished telling us about her story, she gave us advice for the future, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and creating work that means something rather than a work that is easy to sell. Full and completely awe-inspired, we said our good-byes and returned back to the mainland, still processing what had just transpired.
The last day of our trip was one which was led by artists Bianco-Valente and Adriana Rispoli, locals who knew both the city and the culture well. They showed us many hidden aspects of the city, including church courtyards and relics obscured by small side-streets. We also had an opportunity to visit the famous Christmas street, a street which is renowned for its sale of Christmas decorations and coral resembling objects. After browsing the fine goods that were for sale, we went to the MADRE, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, as a means of further familiarizing ourselves with the international art scene. We saw familiar artists such as Marina Abramovich and Robert Rauschenberg, but were also exposed to new artists such as Michaelangelo Pistoletto and Berlinde de Bruyckere. After exploring the Madre, we headed underground to learn more about the artwork which was created specifically for the metro station. As we travelled underground, we saw the various types of artworks which were presented in the museum- mosaics, photographs, paintings, and site-specific installations which all addressed themes of the city, whether they were past or present. As we arrived at our final destination, we said our goodbyes and headed towards the train station, thankful for everything that we had seen, but unwilling to leave so soon.