Articles by: Maria Klein

  • Art & Culture

    Looking to The Future of Pompeii

    In recent years, the archeological park of Pompeii has faced several trials which hindered its ability to maintain an adequate international status. After an earthquake in the 1980’s and the collapse of the Schola Armaturarum, many sectors of the outdoor museum, consequently were closed off to the public.

    Massimo Osanna through the “Grande Progetto” did his part to get Pompeii back on its feet after these devastating events. He once again allowed for access to the areas of the archeological park that were priorly damaged.

    Since he is currently almost finished with these works of restoration and reopening, the director looks to the future of Pompeii. His prevalent hope for the outdoor museum is not only to continue to extract new findings, but to strive to expand Pompeii in further dimensions.

    The director plans on achieving this foremost by increasing the number of his crew. He states “at least 100 people” are essential to maintain and provide care for the streets, buildings, and monuments of Pompeii.  

    More importantly, the new trend of museums to reach out, interact, and educate the public in a meaningful manner is at the frontline of Osanna’s demand for the archeological park.

    It is his desire that Pompeii can become a place of archeology that is inclusive to the masses. The director’s ambition is to create an environment that allows for people to be participants. One that pushes them to experience for themselves the lasting presence of antiquity today.

    Massimo Osanna, further recognizes the powerful impact that a relationship with art can have in diversifying their visitors. New tactics may especially reach the youth, who live in an era that perhaps does not place much importance on Pompeii’s archeological magnificence.

    “I am convinced that a museum, in this case an archeological park, must be a pillar of development for the community,” Says Osanna. A place to “rethink one’s own roots and culture.”

    The archeological park is recognized as “the place which has for centuries most greatly influenced european culture, through its various diverse displays and artistic expressions.” Although Massimo Osanna recognizes that it will not be an easy task, he wishes to share Pompeii’s immense and varied beauty with the world.

     

  • Art & Culture

    Prada Goes Fur-Free

    In order to aid in animal protection, Prada has announced on May 22nd that it will go fur-free, starting with the Spring/Summer 2020 women’s collections. The Italian fashion house has vouched, in collaboration with the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), to no longer use animal furs in their future products.

     

    Along with the FFA, which groups over 50 organizations in more than 40 countries, Prada has also worked with The Humane Society of the United States and LAV, an Italian organization for animal rights.

     

    Miuccia Prada herself believes this decision to be an important milestone for the company. Going fur-free has allowed for Prada to experiment with innovative materials, giving the fashion house the chance to explore new frontiers of creativity and express new forms of design. Prada hopes this change in style will give way to future growth within the company, benefiting both them and society.   

     

    Furthermore, the decision demonstrates the devotion Prada has shown in taking on social responsibility. The fashion house has expressed great consideration for the demand in today’s society to enforce ethical products. Prada, with this commitment to stop using fur, is displaying their desire to link their values with those of society.

     

    Prada is just the latest in a long line of other fashion groups that have also pledged to go fur-free. Additional companies include Giorgio Armani, Versace, Burberry, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, as well as fur-free pioneers Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood.

     

    "Technological progress made over the years allows us to have valid alternatives at our disposal that render the use of cruel practices unnecessary as regards animals,” says Armani. “Pursuing the positive process undertaken long ago, my company is now taking a major step ahead, reflecting our attention to the critical issues of protecting and caring for the environment and animals."

     

    In deciding to go fur-free, Prada is conveying that they too recognize the importance of having a morally correct product, and will continue to do so in the future.

     

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