Analog Stories: Janja's Italian Holidays

What is your relationship with Italy? How often do you go there? What do you like most about this country?

I travel to Italy several times a year and I always look forward to returning! Whether it’s to cities for culture and galleries or to the mountains and the sea, I love their connection to beauty, both visual and in their appreciation of life around them.

My deeper connection with Italy began about ten or twelve years ago thanks to Sicily. It was one of those unforgettable spontaneous trips when I realized that both the visual aesthetics and the overall atmosphere of the country were close to my heart, and that I wanted to explore it more. A few years ago, I visited Florence for the first time with a friend and fell in love with Tuscany. Soon after, I began discovering Rome and decided to take a road trip through small towns, villages, and the countryside.

What places did you visit this year on your trip to Florence? What is the charm of the city for you? Do you have any tips for hidden corners or places?

During my visit to Tuscany, I realized how much fascinating beauty is everywhere. Whether it’s the landscape itself, the very specific light, the buildings, and the historical references, I completely understand why so many great artists or significant works come from this region.

In all these places, I’m enchanted by the fact that people live their everyday lives in what is so crucial for art history. I enjoyed running through the streets of Florence early in the morning, admiring the imposing beauty of the buildings in silence and without tourists. It makes one immediately aware of their own ephemerality, and for me, it also confirms that something like ultimate beauty exists!

In Florence, the work of Fra Angelico and his monastery is essential to me. It’s a place where I cried and I return there every time I visit.

What fascinates you about Rome?

I am fascinated by the way various influences and different civilizations and religions mingled there, and everyone lived together. I really like that in their culture, politics, and everyday lives, the supernatural and symbolism played a fundamental role. Seers, wizards, and herbalists were a common part of daily life and the resolution of major issues.

I am captivated by its decaying beauty and within it all the fragility of art and craftsmanship. In some way, it reminds me of Belgrade, although I can’t exactly describe why. The fact that everyday life takes place around such crucial buildings and places for our history is something I love to observe.

Places:

In Rome, I love the park that stretches above the city and within it, the Villa Borghese. The Villa Medici and its contemporary art gallery are also amazing. The palaces, like Barberini, overflowing with essential works, are incredible. I love the restaurants that haven’t changed in years and where old gentlemen in black trousers and white shirts serve the locals. I love standing coffee and spremuta, I love crudités, and I simply love eating in Rome and throughout Italy!

Venice - what do you like about it? Have you been to the Biennale? What would you definitely recommend seeing?

I return to Venice regularly for the Biennale. I enjoy meeting people who are involved in art, whether actively or theoretically. The city, already magical and known for its specific Venetian light, becomes even more poetic. I only grew fond of it recently. I am attracted by the combination of a certain shabbiness and incredible historical references.

At the Biennale, I really enjoyed Berlinde de Bruyckere, Eva Jospin’s exhibition, Pierre Huyghe's Punta della Dogana, Julie Mehretu at Palazzo Grassi, the group exhibition at Palazzo Polignac, and the absolutely amazing Julien Cruzet at the French pavilion in Giardini.

I love traveling alone because I can better perceive everything around me - the people, the environment, the atmosphere, and the energy of the place. I feel that I connect with things much better and become a part of them. On every such journey, I meet someone interesting who becomes part of my life for a few hours, days, or sometimes even forever.