Florence Calling: 1980s Florentine Cultural Renaissance at MAD
The exhibition 'Florence Calling. Anni Ottanta,' curated by Bruno Casini and Valentina Gensini, is currently on display at MAD – Murate Art District in Florence. It delves into the artistic and cultural landscape of the city from the late 1970s through the 1980s, showcasing pivotal events, influential figures, and venues that positioned Florence as a center for Italian new wave culture. Landmark concerts featuring Patti Smith (1979), The Clash (1981), and Lou Reed ignited a rock revival. Bands such as Diaframma, Litfiba, and Neon played at iconic locations like Tenax and Rokkoteca Brighton. Experimental theater was represented by groups like Magazzini Criminali, while writer Pier Vittorio Tondelli encapsulated the era's energy in 'Un weekend postmoderno.' The exhibition is open until September 20, 2026.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Florence Calling. Anni Ottanta' at MAD – Murate Art District, Florence
- Curated by Bruno Casini and Valentina Gensini
- Covers late 1970s to 1980s Florentine cultural scene
- Features music, theater, literature, architecture, design, fashion, visual art
- Key concerts: Patti Smith (1979), Lou Reed and The Clash (1981)
- Bands include Diaframma, Litfiba, Neon, Soul Hunters, Moda, Pankow, Esprit Nouveau
- Venues: Rokkoteca Brighton, Banana Moon, Manila, Casablanca, Tenax
- Theater groups: Magazzini Criminali/Magazzini, Krypton, Orient Express, Il Marchingegno
- Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici created first 8-bit computer comics (1984-1987) on Apple II, published in 'Frigidaire'
- Writer Pier Vittorio Tondelli lived in Florence and wrote about the scene
- Public program included
- Runs until September 20, 2026
Entities
Artists
- Bruno Casini
- Valentina Gensini
- Patti Smith
- Lou Reed
- The Clash
- Diaframma
- Litfiba
- Neon
- Soul Hunters
- Moda
- Pankow
- Esprit Nouveau
- Sandro Lombardi
- Marion D'Amburgo
- Federico Tiezzi
- Jack Kerouac
- Krypton
- Orient Express
- Il Marchingegno
- Pier Vittorio Tondelli
- Antonio Glessi
- Andrea Zingone
- Maurizio Dami
- Alexander Robotnik
- Roberto Davini
- Giancarlo Torri
- Loretta Mugnai
- Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici
- Christian Caliandro
Institutions
- MAD – Murate Art District
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Piazza delle Murate
- Rokkoteca Brighton
- Banana Moon
- Manila
- Casablanca
- Tenax