Rome via Brooklyn

558 words, 3 minute read time

The contrast between the industrialized background and the more classical works interested me. I had not seen a place like it and wasn’t sure I would like it. For a moment, I thought about how people take beautiful brownstones and flip them to look more contemporary, but then it was like, “Wait, this is like the reverse of that.” They kind of made the space follow along with the mosaics and sculptures. I believe the space also shows the idea of the Romans looking back to their ancestors/predecessors in a way. I don’t think that anything was too too jarring or confusing, and I believe that the repurposing of the space is kind of iconic.

Some of my favorite pieces are pictured in the post. I love the way the fabric drapes on the sculpture and reminds me of a dress called the Long Wet Dress by Di Pesta.  https://dipetsa.com/products/long-wetlook-dress .I love how it clings to the woman’s form in the sculpture, and it alludes to a fertility or an emphasis on sexuality. 

The second piece I enjoyed was this one because of its shape and the intricacies of the design. While staring up at it the whole time, I was trying to imagine what the piece would look like in color. I kind of hate that the Victorians scrubbed all these works of color. I understand the appeal of the starkness of the original stone, but still, it permanently affected how we view the art due to the aesthetics of one period. 

 I learned that life in Italy is relaxed but moves simultaneously, and the balance between the two is achievable. For example, their siesta/riposo is at the perfect time of day and is a time where a person can relax and breathe. In America, and especially NYC, there is this hustle culture that is like grind 1000% of the time, and it’s just toxic. Personally, I say bring back nap time. I feel like it not only makes people more efficient, but it also improves the quality of life. I feel like rest culture should also be equally celebrated as well. I feel like that was a tangent. However, I am super passionate about naps and rest as I love to nap and rest. 

I love riding the bus because I see sneak peaks of the sites as it drives by. It offers more stimulation and helps me explore the city, even when I am exhausted. In Culture Smart! The book discusses how standing in a line for the bus isn’t a thing, which kind of parallels Brooklyn. Every time I get on the bus, it reminds me of taking the B41 to class due to the nature of the no-line system and kind of just flooding into a space.

The restaurant was good! I loved the food, and the Aperol Spritz was excellent. It was kind of embarrassing that I forgot to order my drink with my food, but it all worked out in the end. Going to the market was fun too! I had to lead the walk to the market, which was stressful considering I have no sense of direction whatsoever. However, we got there, and although most things were closed, I still got to see some pretty things and even look at a pretty leather bag.