Art, Garden and Olives
It’s such a great feeling to come back from hectic Florence and have a nice walk around the peaceful garden here at the Villa.
Throughout the centuries it has been the tradition for Italian nobility to be patrons to great artists. Villa Mangiacane stays true to this sponsoring on-site artist from Zimbabwe and abroad, and numerous art exhibitions openings.
The best time for a walk is in the early evening prior to sunset. Colors reach a degree of saturation which is ideal for photo-shoots or just to admire the splendid collection of art and sculptures integrated in the composition of centennial trees, water basins, small lemons trees in terracotta vases, quiet and iron benches. Not to mention the vast almost infinite renaissance perspective of olive groves upon San Casciano hills.
Most of the profits go to the deserving African charities and the remaining profits are reinvested to support the Shona Art Sculptors in Zimbabue and to promote their work by enabling them to gain international recognition and exposure.
As you pace amongst the myriad of masterpieces in the ‘ Giardino della Scultura‘ with its backdrop of nature,your eye travels in time as it moves across a spectrum the include Lithuanian cubism, and Zimbabwean Shona Sculptures.
The Villa Mangiacane Estate stretches over 300 hectares with very versatile locations for any photographic or film shoot. This Renaissance Haven is an efficient location that offers a high variety of “ready to use” settings with great props – opulent chairs, artworks, textures and materials indoors as well as the Tuscan forest, vineyards, olive groves and the famous sculpture garden outdoors.
I realize that it was not only myself, Cosmopolitan magazine, but also Award winning Norwegian photographer Petter Hegre who studied at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California and worked for Richard Avedon before returning to Europe has enjoyed the inspiration of the magical garden at the Villa. Hegre who published six books and his work has been exhibited internationally is known for being the pioneer of a new photographic genre called ‘The New Nude’, challenging ingrained views on the female nude.
Just as the Renaissance sculptors believed that a masterpiece lay dormant in every stone, and that artist simply awakens it- Villa Mangiacane itself has awakened to embrace a new era…
By the way if you happen to be in the neighborhood check the Giardino because a container full of new art work in on its way this time to live by the Olive trees through eternity…
Wode Paint Boudicca & Wode Scent Boudicca
