Rome via Brooklyn

372 words 2 minutes read time.

The Centrale Montemartini museum was a very fun and unique experience, and definitely one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever been to. The contrast of the ancient statues against the more modern engines and factory materials was a bold and effective choice in showing the ways the republic of the past impacts the Rome of the present. Fitting in these snippets of the past into infrastructure of the modern age also brings this art to a “human” level and makes it feel more accessible for everyone. The more “brutal” look of the museum contrasted the mostly white marble, making it stand out very prominently in the space it was in.

One of my favorite pieces was the sculpture of the Hanging Marsyas. The use of the reddish marble along with the painted eyes and detailed marble hand created a disturbing but incredibly interesting artwork that I was drawn to. The face itself doesn’t seem to be too contorted (as other Marsyas sculptures were, according to the description of the work), but the eyes add another layer to Marsyas’ death. The pose, despite the arms being held above the head, reminded me of a crucifixion pose. The hand (and presumably feet as well, if they were attached) being made of marble also reminded me of the conversation we had by the colossal head, arm, and feet about these body parts being intentionally white marble-made to depict a proximity to holiness.

Taking the bus and subway in Rome has been a new but still very similar experience. The crowded bus in the early morning felt just like my trips on the B6 for my morning classes. CultureSmart! did help with this from their travel chapter, warning of the busy and crowded buses as well as the threat of pickpocketing, which helped me be more aware of my bag and surroundings (pg 142). Another thing mentioned in the book was the need for a more assertive attitude, which is definitely true. When crossing the street or getting a waiter’s attention, you need to make yourself seen and not hesitate or you might end up waiting at the crosswalk or for some more water for ages.

Khadija Fall ❤