BLUE

Angie: Hello everyone! We’re back! We’ve just returned from a holiday in Tuscany and I must say that few places in the world can compare to this region for its artistic legacy! We’ve visited the Palazzo Strozzi first exhibition that focuses on digital art: “Let’s get Digital” It was amazing! Running from May 18 to July 31, the exhibition includes digital installations and multimedia experiences crafted by artists who communicate the multifaceted study of crypto art, based on the success of NFTs, which are redefining what makes a work of art unique and valuable.  
Dave: Honestly, I still don’t understand NFT and Digital Art…Is this really Art? Call me “Old Style”, but I still believe that an artist may considered as such because of his/her ability to create something beautiful; this ability isn’t generated with the use of technologically advanced systems, but through effort and sacrifice. Nowadays, with a small investment of time and money, and almost no sacrifice; I can create a great work of art…now who is the artist? Me or my most recent version of Photoshop? It looks to me that sacrifice no longer exists. 
Angie: Really, Dave, you’re such a skeptic! We must expect an revolution in art: new technique, new concepts, new visions… and digital is the preferred medium for creative expression. There are infinite possibilities now and, I believe, the best is yet to come! Thankfully you were silent during our visit, which you were NOT during our trip to Pisa’s tower! Your terrified screams reached the sky! 
Dave: You were the one trying to push me over the edge! 
Angie: Oh, you’re such a pussy! And anyway, after that you just disappeared… where were you? Dave: I was in Grosseto. Such a marvelous town! Angie: True, though it doesn’t have the appeal of the great art cities like Florence and Siena. However there are many reasons to visit it. Its historic center, within the Medici walls, with all its architectural treasures and interesting museums. Grosseto is located in the middle of the Maremma in an excellent position both to reach the sea which is just 12 kilometers away, and the surrounding hills are beautiful too… Dave: You’re quoting Wikipedia again? Oh, it doesn’t matter, the most important thing is that I discovered something that you won’t find on Wikipedia! You talked about the seaside being at 12 km from the town; well, it’s marvelous, certainly, but it holds a unique secret too! Angie: Tell me more! Dave: There is a new project called “La casa dei Pesci“, born from an idea of an environmental fisherman, which consists in placing on the seabed underwater blocks of sculpted marble to prevent the actions of illegal fishing. It is a fantastic idea! Just look at these photos and some of the masterpieces that will be placed! a real Underwater Museum!  
Angie: It is fascinating! I would have loved to visit the site, but you obviously didn’t tell me anything, did you? You’re so unaccountable! Dave: Unaccountable! Me? And what about your plans to visit all museums in Florence? we went to the Uffizi Galleries, Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens (I liked that a lot, though), we saw all three statues of Michelangelo’s David with consequent visit to the Accademia Gallery, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria (one wasn’t enough obviously), and the bronze David by Donatello at the Bergello Museum, the Brancacci Chapel for Masaccio’s paintings, the Monastery of San Paolo with Fra Angelico’s art…then down to Siena to visit the Cathedral and the Hall of Peace in the Palazzo Pubblico. A short trip to San Gimignano’s Collegiate Church to see Barna da Siena’s paintings, then to Arezzo where we visited the San Francesco Church with Piero Della Francesca’s Painting and the house of Giorgio Vasari; and the Diocesana Museum in Cortona, then Prato and the Field of Miracles in Pisa… When you tried to kill me I decided I had enough of you and that I was entitled to some time alone, away from you and your Road Map!
 
Angie in front of Donatello’s Bronze
The Palazzo Pubblico – Siena
Angie: Well, you missed the Civic Museum in Sansepolcro with Piero Della Francesca’s Paintings. 
Dave: True, but you must admit that I discovered a very interesting artistic site within the abundance of Art available in Tuscany! Something new (though the project started in 2014, if I remember correctly), something eco-friendly!
Angie: What do you mean by Eco-friendly? 
Dave: It’s very simple in fact. The project wants to create a space of sustainability between nature and fishing, between natural beauty and art, between sea protection and usability. The idea is to contrast and stop illegal fishing, toxic waste and chemical pollution by transforming the area in a unique site that attracts people and shall favour the sustainable development of the area that embraces the Maremma Natural Park. .

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