Stony Brook University & AUF are pleased to announce the 14th Annual Conference, taking place in Florence on Friday, December 5, 2025.

An Ode to The Past & Present
An Ode to The Past & Present, Baccanhanalia: Chaos and Memory, by Theo Taddei
On a quiet evening in Florence, an art exhibit opened its doors, inviting visitors into a world that felt both ancient and strangely familiar. "Bacchanalia Chaos and Memory," a personal exhibit by local Tuscan artist Theo Taddei, offered a vivid reflection on the past, present, and the chaotic moments that link them together. Curated by the Palazzi Community Center & AUF and their Experiential Learning students, the show debuted at 6:00 PM on August 7th inside the Palazzi Community Center's Corridoio Fiorentino.
This connection to history is not only artistic; it's personal. Inspired by his upbringing in the Florence countryside and his grandfather’s research into their family’s deep Tuscan roots, Taddei’s work bridges centuries of cultural identity. His pieces feature a unique variation of watercolor, ink, acrylic, and oil mediums. Many of his works embrace jewel tones and one-dimensional landscapes that evoke the timeless charm of traditional ink sketches while experimenting with contemporary form.
The exhibition title, Bacchanalia, references the ancient Roman festival that honors wine and fertility, later synonymous with uninhibited revelry and debauchery. In this spirit, Taddei weaves together medieval traditions and modern-day vices. This includes merging the symbolism from Italy’s past with commentary on today’s universally fractured culture:
Through his own words, Taddei described his vision as “Looking to the past and what feels ancient, but also familiar. But, not ignoring components of the future that the world is steadily moving towards,” portraying certain pieces with scenes of overconsumption of technology, nightlife, and excess.
Taddei’s core dialogue portrayed that his pieces do not dwell in the past, but rather move through it with awareness and intention. What emerges is a beautiful, chaotic dance: a reflection on what it means to live in our world today, grounded in heritage, and being fully aware of the world as it is.
Beyond the artwork displayed at the gallery, the event also became a celebration of community. Intergenerational support was evident among the Tuscan attendees, many of whom had known Taddei since his youth.
Each piece in Bacchanalia: Chaos and Memory is now available for purchase, allowing viewers to take home a piece of Taddei’s narrative. The exhibition will remain open to the public until September 17th.
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