The American University of Florence’s Palazzi Community Center had the pleasure of hosting Elena Santoni at its first Made In Florence event of the Fall semester. Alongside Marco Calafati, an art historian and architect, Elena Santoni gave the community an in-depth look into her process of creating art, and more specifically, how the art that she creates reflects back on various historical eras. The works she displayed throughout her presentation showed the audience how art that is made today is able to easily reflect back on and connect to years and years of art and art history. Santoni and Calafati both have extensive education and experience in both the world of art and art history, allowing them to give the community a very professional and passionate presentation on their roles and views in and of the art world. Santoni’s use of opinion and dialogue within the art she creates and the presentations she gives helps the audience to better understand her thought process not only in art that she creates but also in her interpretations of art as a whole.

Santoni is an Italian-born artist who began her career studying art history; specifically medieval French iconography, critical texts, and publications. Within the subject, Santoni has distinguished herself by organizing discussions to reevaluate artistic heritage outside of typical contexts. Furthermore, Santoni has developed thematic lines and described periods typically characterized by a complex critical vision, with pleasant dissemination through opinions and dialog; a perspective that makes art history more enjoyable and accessible. Santoni has also tied this into her profession as a local tour guide which has exposed her to significant insights into local art, such as the Michelangelo to Caravaggio: A Dialogue on Art Starting from the Vision of Great Women of Criticism conference. During her presentation, Santoni discussed the process of her pictorial production with Calafati.  

Calafati is a historian of Renaissance art and architecture. He earned a doctorate from the University of Florence and a master's in landscape architecture. Additionally, Calafati has conducted research through the Getty Research Institute of Los Angeles, The University of Pennsylvania, and the École Pratique des Hautes Études. He has also worked on the study of the Apostolic Palace of Lorento at the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore. Today, Calafati teaches Early Modern Art at the University of Pisa and the History of Architecture at the University of Florence while conducting research on historic Tuscan gardens.

Santoni’s artwork deeply reflects her knowledge of art history. She frequently includes elements inspired by Michaelangelo’s artwork during the time of the Renaissance while he resided in Florence. As well as being inspired by Michaelangelo, Santoni expressed that she was very inspired by the city of Florence, as that is where many artists resided and worked during the Renaissance. Today, the city continues to be an artistic center which carries the evolutionary history of the Renaissance. As an addition to her expertise in art history, she described in her own words that she spends time to “investigate more into the intellectual aspect of the art” that she creates. She spends more time on prior research when producing an art piece, where she is “generally fast in the physical production of the art.” Santoni’s intellectual perspective of her own art and of others makes her art pieces all the more meaningful and complete. Along with her outstanding artworks and knowledge of art history, Santoni also states that she appreciates “art in the global aspect, like music, and other kinds of artistic expressions.” Well-rounded in artistic production, art history, and art in the global aspect, Santoni is an outstanding artist in this community who beautifully reflects and intertwines her inspirations to simultaneously produce stunningly original and modern works of art.

The event concluded by highlighting Kimono d’Artista, a collaboration between designer Giovanna Cocci and Santoni, a project that beautifully combines art and fashion. Cocci is a designer with expertise in upcycling and textile design. The kimono was carefully reconstructed from renewed fabrics, ensuring sustainability without limiting creativity. Cocci beautifully designed Kimono d’Artista using a mix of textiles in shades of blues and reds.

Santoni brings her distinctive artistic vision to the project by heavily drawing inspiration from the Renaissance era and the artistic legacy of Michelangelo, whose use of color created compositions of harmony, balance, and emotional depth. Santoni’s color palette, with its deep blues and vivid reds, echoes the dramatic harmony of the Renaissance.  The detailed art on the kimono is hand painted making it truly one of a kind. Her contemporary art style and mix of colors, works well with the fabric. The result is more than just an article of clothing; it tells a story. The kimono embodies Santoni’s attention to detail and artistic vision, Cocci’s mastery of her craft, creating a conversation between art and fashion. Through this collaboration, the kimono became wearable artwork, where sustainability, innovation, and contemporary art blend. The kimono reflects Florence’s artistic legacy, where color and craft have long been a part of the city. By uniting Renaissance inspiration with sustainable design, it carries forward the city’s spirit of art as a shared cultural expression. While also reflecting the city’s recent commitment to sustainability. Kimono d’Artista pays tribute to Florence’s artistic heritage and the city's drive toward a more sustainable future.

The beautiful words of Elena Santoni paired with complementary prosecco at a secluded outdoor patio was the perfect way to spend an evening. If you are interested in attending the next Made in Florence event at the Palazzi Community Center join us on Monday October 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM for “La visione e le best practice del Gruppo Chiesi Italia." Sign up via this link: Eventbrite Sign Up Form