College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) students who spent this semester studying abroad through the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence enjoyed unique experiential learning opportunities, including a teaching session with an internationally known artist and attendance at an international artistic and cultural celebration.
The group enjoyed a public lecture presented by Syracuse University Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems at the University’s Villa Rossa facility in Florence. Weems was in Italy for the “Black Portraitures” conference, which was co-sponsored by the University as part of the Biennale of Contemporary Arte 2024 in Venice. She participated in the panel discussion, “Black Realities Through Digital Media.”
University Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems presented a public lecture titled “Resistance As an Act of Love” while in Florence. (Photo by Francesco Guazzelli)
Jonathan Nelson, a faculty member with the Florence program and a specialist in late 15th- and 16th-century Italian painting and sculpture, also participated in the conference as part of the “Radical Curricula” panel.
In Florence, Weems, an internationally known and widely acclaimed artist, spoke to the students in their studio and exhibit space and conducted individual critiques of their artwork.
Eight VPA students also traveled to Venice to take in the international cultural and artistic exhibition at Biennale 2024. Attending the event allowed them to view art and other forms of creative expression made by people from all over the world.
Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems spoke to students studying at the University’s Florence, Italy Center. (Photo by Francesco Guazzelli)
They included Anastasia Cardona (studio art), Mark Casadevall (computer art and animation), Sidney Hanson (studio arts/art history), Madeleine Herberger (illustration), Sarah Mednick (illustration), Rumini Nguyen (studio art), Sarah Skalsk (illustration) and Alissar Youssef (illustration). Accompanying the group were Marcelle Haddix, associate provost for strategic initiatives, and Miranda Traudt, assistant provost for arts and community programming.
Another three Syracuse University students studying in Florence participated in the critique with Weems: Paige Esposito (social work), Oskar Kraft (studio art) and Zohra Mekki (illustration).
“It was wonderful for students to learn from our artist in residence in a close-up, informal atmosphere, then see her present on the world stage about a topic that is prominent across America and the world now. Students’ exposure to world-renowned artists, emerging creatives and global thought leaders provided them with experiential learning that brought enjoyment in the moment and lasting experiences that are likely to impact them for their lifetimes,” Traudt says.