Vertigo at the Vatican

The Bramante Staircase is regarded as a hidden treasure of the Vatican. Some tourists miss this wondrous and vertigo-inducing piece of architecture as it is no longer on the main tour paths. Despite the name, this modern double-helix staircase was actually designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932, who was inspired by the original Bramante Staircase of the Renaissance. This stunning set of individual pathways is regularly used by patrons traveling from the Belvedere Palace to the Cortile del Belvedere.

Momo’s design takes two pathways and intertwines them in a double-helix. Photograph by Ryan Shields

Globalize Your Education: Study In Italy

IUSB is heading back to Florence in 2016! Finals week has come and gone and we at the International Programs urge students to consider studying outside of the United States. Professor Dora Natella is leading students back to Italy in the pursuit of expanding intellect and experience! Students will stay in apartments provided in partnership with the Santa Reparata International School of Art. The program is from May 19^th to June 17^th 2016. The deadline for applications is February 5^th, 2016. It is imperative for students to start the process of getting a passport! Start planning now!

The rolling hills of Tuscany. Photographs by Ryan Shields

A streetview in Florence, Italy.

IU South Bend students at Piazzale Michelangelo.

Inspiration Comes Easy in Venice

For IUSB students studying in Italy in 2015, the three days in Venice were three of the most exhilarating days.

Venice at sunset. Photographs by Ryan Shields

Each day, students went to a different contemporary art festival or exhibition before being set loose to shoot photography in beautiful Venice.

 

IUSB students take a much needed rest at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.

The featured collections at the Guggenheim were that of Charles Pollock (1902-1988) and his brother, Jackson Pollock (1912-1956).

Peggy Guggenheim is buried in her museum, along with her many pets.

The Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice is a collection from some of the most renowned artists in contemporary art. With this caliber of inspirational material at hand, students had no trouble finding the enthusiasm for exploring their own artistic notions.

New Technologies, New Artistic Perspectives: The Venice Biennale

While in Venice, 2015 IUSB Study Abroad students had the privilege of attending the 56^th Venice Biennale Festival. This international contemporary art festival embodies the ambiguity that is artistic mode. There are Biennale festivals that take place all over the world showcasing advances in technologies, as well as new perspectives in art. Artists contribute works to specific exhibits that represent their country. The first Biennale took place in Venice in 1895. The Venice Biennale has been held every other year since.

IUSB student Adam Guerra takes in Japan’s Exhibit at the 2015 Venice Biennale Festival. Photograph by Ryan Shields.

Venetian Tradition: The Gondoliers

When thinking about Venice, one of the first things that may come to mind are its famous gondolas. This generalization isn’t without merit. Gondoliers are proudly posted all throughout this beautiful city on Italy’s northeast coast, hoping to entice travelers into participating in this Venetian tradition. The modern era of the gondola and gondolier is that of novelty. For about 80 Euro (about $86), tourists can enjoy a romantic or scenic ride through the many-channeled waterways that comprise Venice.

Before the invention of steam and combustion engines, the gondola was a primary method of travel in Venice. Tradition continues in the form of gondola races. The historical Regatta of Venice brings the Venetian gondoliers to a modern light. Decorated gondolas driven by costumed gondoliers parade down Venice’s Grand Canal before competing in a lighthearted race.

A Gondolier. Photograph by Ryan Shields

Happy Halloween From the International Programs!

It is the eve of Halloween once again. We at the International Programs would like to wish our students and faculty a safe and glorious Halloween weekend! May your holiday be safe and spooky!

Photograph of a full moon over Venice, Italy. Thank goodness werewolves aren’t nautical!
Photograph by Ryan Shields

Rich History & Impeccable Charm: The Magic of Venice

When I was told that Venice was part of the Florence abroad trip, I couldn’t begin to understand just how amazing that experience was going to be. I had no expectation to satisfy. Instead, Venice made its presence known in my heart through its impeccable charm and amazing scenery. Venice is known for its water channels as a method of transportation, but until you’re immersed in that kind of travel it is hard to imagine. The bus system is comprised entirely of boats, complete with floating Bus Stations. At any given time, residents of the city use their personal boats to migrate around the numerous waterways. In the bigger Venetian channels, extravagant yachts and immense cruise ships accentuate the beautiful Italian architecture. And of course, tourists from all over the world come to Venice and catch a ride on the famous gondolas as a way to soak in the magic of the city.

This image is of Venice’s most popular and renowned social square, the Piazza San Marco. This Piazza is where the Doges of the Venetian republic would operate and entertain Italian politicians and elites, as well as foreign diplomats. The Doge’s Palace (pictured on the right) was the venue for Venetian court for over 500 years before being turned into a museum. The story of the Piazza San Marco is enough to make anyone consider Venice’s historical importance, but the magnificence of the architecture and the beauty of Italy’s east coast make it an unforgettable and essential destination for any traveler!

Piazza San Marco & Doge’s Palace. Venice, Italy. Photo by Ryan Shields.

Fresh Fruit & Fresh Perspective

One of the greatest aspects of studying abroad is being immersed in another culture. Italy has an unfamiliar quality compared to the American mindset. They enjoy a much more relaxed lifestyle. For instance, the restaurants and shops will close for a few hours in the middle of the day for recreational and family time. In this time, Italians will cherish a long break away from their jobs before returning to work for a fairly long night. In this photograph, we see an open-air market operating and doing well after dark. Lush fruit and water are the main items for sale, along with snacks and wine at this particular shop. However, if the water isn’t carbonated, you know you’re at shop catering to tourists! Either way, it is imperative that students try the fresh fruit of these markets when studying in Italy.

Are you interested in going abroad? We are going back in 2016! Students of Drawing, Sculpting, and General Studies are encouraged to grasp the opportunity to live in Italy for a month. Students of any degree can also use elective credits to internationalize their education! Applications will be available shortly and their deadline is February 1^st. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to go abroad with purpose!

One of many open-air markets in Rome. Photograph by Ryan Shields

Florence 2016

Today will be a little different than usual as we visit Future Florence Friday. Students of General Studies and the Arts have an opportunity to travel to Italy! Indiana University South Bend is going back to Florence in 2016. Professor Dora Natella will lead drawing and sculpture students, as well as General Studies majors, on a month long adventure around beautiful Italy. In conjunction with Santa Reparata, students will be living in student housing within Florence as they study the refined techniques of renowned Italian artists. I implore students with any curiosity of studying in Florence to watch this video featuring the 2016 trip leader, Dora Natella:

This program is worth six credit hours that can be earned during Summer I of 2016. The classes are FINA-S497: Independent Study in Studio Art-Sculpture, and FINA-A399: Art, Aesthetics and Creativity. Students must be of Sophomore status to apply and applications are due on February 1^st, 2016. There are scholarships available specifically to study abroad students!

For more information on the Florence 2016 Study Abroad Program, visit the IUSB Website. Any further questions or inquiries should be directed to Professor Dora Natella (dnatella@iusb.edu), or Lisa Zwicker, Director of International Programs (zwicker@iusb.edu). Let’s go to Florence in 2016!

Rome, Italy. Photograph by Ryan Shields

Inside Rome: The Wondrous Papal Enclave

This week we travel to the smallest independent state in the entire world, Vatican City. Enclaved within the great city of Rome, Vatican City hosts roughly 5 million tourists and pilgrims each year, and with good reason. St. Peter’s Basilica is not only the venue for the Pope’s address; it is a renowned piece of high Renaissance architecture. Designed by Dontato Bramante and Michelangelo in one of the last phases of construction, St. Peter’s Basilica is among the biggest churches of any religion in the world. Scores of people will occupy the church’s campus, St. Peter’s Piazza, to witness the Pope’s address to the people.

The name St. Peter’s Basilica is based on the belief that St. Peter himself is buried inside. After the Great Fire of Rome around 64 CE, Roman Emperor Nero Caesar blamed the Christians for the tragedy. Nero ordered that St. Peter be crucified upside down to disgrace him. Over time and through much study of the literary accounts of that time period, many historians believe that a tyrannical Nero set the fire himself to rebuild Rome to his liking. Either way, Vatican City and Rome are known for a rich and mysterious history, complete with an astounding juxtaposition of beauty and horror.

The current structure and façade of St. Peter’s Basilica was finished over a millennium later in the early 17^th century. During the Renaissance, the Papal ministry commissioned many famous pieces of art by renowned Italian artists. On a journey through Italy, it is imperative that one takes the time to visit Rome and the Vatican City!

St. Peter’s Basilica Facade. Photograph by Ryan Shields