Meeting Benches World art in all forms

A visual journey through Divina Commedia Your Italian guide will be waiting for you in Piazza di Santa Croce, beneath a white marble statue of Dante Alighieri. “His small neoclassical tomb, located near the site of his funeral in 1321, is in Ravenna,” you write in your new travel journal dedicated to the famous poet. You note the places to …

Nazim Hikmet, the beauty of everyday life between love, exile and nostalgia Nâzım Hikmet was one of the greatest Turkish poets of the 20th century, known for his innovative style and political commitment. Born in Thessaloniki, then part of the Ottoman Empire, he came from an aristocratic family. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent for poetry, introducing free …

When the night is more alive and colorful than the day It was “Because the Night“, written by Bruce Springsteen. I didn’t know why that song made famous by Patti Smith came to mind. But I was sure that in art the night was the space of the unknown, of mystery and dreams, a dimension in which reality dissolves, leaving …

Identity as a poem in continuous evolution Identification is never a final destination, but a perpetual journey toward self-understanding. From his 2014 poetry collection “ASTONISHMENT“, here is a new and evocative composition by Dastilige Nevante, a dense and refined poetics that invites reflection and inner exploration. “RECOGNIZE YOURSELF: Composing rhymes under the skin. Their irises are gestures and words that …

The spark that triggers a path of introspection and inner transformation The title “ASTONISHMENT” immediately sets the tone. Rather than suggesting a static state of surprise, it evokes a sense of wonder—an active, almost ritualistic engagement with the everyday. Astonishment here is not accidental; instead, it implies that when we truly look, we open ourselves up to profound revelations. This …

Reflections on waiting and the transformative winds that push you forward Minimalist poetry, with its ability to suggest rather than declare, manages to create a space for personal reflection in which the reader can recognize themselves. Perhaps you are also struck by the idea that the wind, a metaphor for change, can be something we passively wait for but also …

If you don’t know sadness, you can’t have deep thoughts Depth is a multifaceted concept that goes far beyond the mere surface of things. It represents the ability to immerse oneself in the nuances of thought, to grasp emotions in all their complexity, and to seek out hidden meanings that elude a hurried glance. In thought and emotion, it manifests …

James Hamilton-Paterson: When life is a Pilgrimage His early work reflects a youthful optimism and a deep sensitivity to the natural world. is a British poet, novelist and essayist whose work spans literature, science and the natural world. James Hamilton-Paterson’s writing, often focused on the allure of the sea and the transitory nature of human existence, captures both personal experiences …

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso: synthesis of the pictorial currents of the early twentieth century “Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a pioneer of Portuguese modern art, will be the protagonist of our next author’s journey. I’ll meet you on Friday, September fifth, at nine in the morning in front of Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon.” The WhatsApp message didn’t catch you unprepared; you were …

Ambrogio Lorenzetti, an Indelible Mark in the History of Italian Art “La Terrazza Sul Campo“, a hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooks the square of the same name and is simply spectacular. You don’t have to imagine sitting on a panoramic terrace, with a privileged view of the preparations for the famous Palio di Siena, sipping a …

A nonconformist dialogue between painting, sculpture and poetry Get ready for an experience that goes beyond a simple visit. Meeting Benches offers you a journey that intertwines the discovery of places with the inner exploration inspired by the great artists who have shaped those territories with their creativity. This new itinerary, passionately curated, will enrich your traveler’s repertoire and refine …

Moving between connective tissues of words and stone You are about to meet the person who accompanies you around the world in search of beauty. He has arranged to meet you in Leiden, Holland, and read what he wrote to you on WhatsApp: “An author’s trip is more than just tourism: it is an emotional and intellectual exploration of the …

Explore the unconscious and challenge conventions, through art Roland Penrose, a central figure in British Surrealism, developed a unique style that often-involved collage techniques that focused on imagery and symbolism. Using materials such as tourist postcards of famous landmarks, he created surreal compositions that reimagined familiar objects, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, a key theme of Surrealism. Influenced …

Beauty, nature and harmony through a mythological allegory The Renaissance, a historical and cultural period that developed between the 14th and 16th centuries, originated in Italy before gradually spreading throughout Europe. This movement marked a profound renewal in art, science, philosophy, and politics, transforming the way people thought and viewed the world. It was characterized by a new focus on …

An invitation to rediscover the world with eyes full of wonder Spring, a symbol of renewal and new beginnings, is your favorite season. It is the time when nature awakens from its winter slumber, offering an explosion of color, sound, and scent. Trees bloom, meadows turn bright green, and wildlife returns to the landscape with renewed energy. In many cultures, …