Every year, Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici hosts an event called “Art in the Square,” where students’ work is displayed in a public space in the heart of Florence. This year, the exhibition was held at Museo degli Innocenti, and the theme was “Nurturing the Future.”
The History Behind Museo degli Innocenti
Museo degli Innocenti is not just any museum—it carries a deeply significant history. Originally established in 1445, it was one of the first orphanages in Europe and was designed by the famous Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi (who also designed the Florence Duomo). For centuries, it served as a safe haven for abandoned children, offering them care, shelter, and education. Today, the museum showcases the history of the orphanage, along with Renaissance artwork that was donated to support the institution’s mission.
Given this history, the theme “Nurturing the Future” was incredibly fitting. The exhibition aimed to highlight the importance of education, growth, and the impact of art and creativity on shaping the next generation. Just as the orphanage once nurtured children in need, the exhibition reflected how art and knowledge continue to nourish and inspire the future.
My Work in the Exhibition
I was honored to have two of my pieces selected for the exhibition:
- A film I created in my filmmaking class (which I’ll write about in a separate post).
- A poster that I designed specifically for the event.
My poster features a young girl sitting under a large plant, reading a book. One of the flowers from the plant glows softly, illuminating the pages of the book, symbolizing knowledge, growth, and the power of learning.
Designing the Poster: Composition & Meaning
When designing this poster, I wanted the composition to reflect both the history of the museum and the theme of the exhibition. The large plant represents nurturing and protection, much like the Museo degli Innocenti provided for children throughout history. The glowing flower serves as a metaphor for enlightenment—how education, curiosity, and creativity can light the way for future generations. I used soft, warm colors to create an inviting and hopeful atmosphere, reinforcing the idea of growth and optimism.
Seeing my work displayed in such a historically rich setting was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a reminder of how art can connect the past and the future, and how creativity has the power to inspire change and new ideas.
This project challenged me to think more deeply about how composition, symbolism, and history all play a role in design, and it was an honor to contribute to an exhibition with such a meaningful theme.
