Microcosmo. Deep Listening
A magazine inspired by Mark Rothko
Microcosmo. Deep Listening is a publication produced by the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi in collaboration with seven national and international Art Academies based in Tuscany on the occasion of the exhibition Rothko a Firenze. Contributions by young artists, curators, graphic designers, and academics shape a magazine in which visual and textual contents intertwine, offering a kaleidoscope of reflections emerging from engagement with the work of Mark Rothko and with the theme of deep listening.
Mark Rothko’s artistic practice is imbued with a meditative character. His paintings do not narrate an experience; rather, they take shape as an experience in themselves, requiring immersion, attention, and a willingness to engage in deep listening and observation. From this perspective arises the idea of dedicating the publication Microcosmo to the theme of deep listening.
In what ways can the works of Mark Rothko influence our way of “listening”? What does deep and conscious listening mean? These questions form the basis of a project that involves students from different disciplinary fields—photography, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and critical writing—and encourages exchange among national and international academies. The exhibition thus becomes a space for research and experimentation, from which the magazine Microcosmo. Deep Listening takes shape.
Deep Listening
In the field of music, as theorized by composer Pauline Oliveros, the expression Deep Listening refers to a practice that expands attention and perception. It means intentionally immersing oneself in listening, including not only music but also the sounds of the environment, nature, and everyday life, extending to one’s own thoughts and imagination. In a broader sense, the concept of deep listening becomes a stimulus for reflecting on what it means to listen today: art can become a tool through which to reflect on oneself and on one’s ability to connect with others, encouraging a shift from a dimension dominated by individualism toward greater openness and readiness to listen.
Creating a magazine
Microcosmo. Deep Listening originates from the opportunity for direct engagement with the work of Mark Rothko and takes shape as a space for experimentation in which students can explore different ways of “feeling” and translate their artistic research into an editorial project. The magazine functions as an exhibition platform that brings together a selection of projects, along with the educational activities that frame the initiative: visits to the exhibition, talks with artists, and moments of exchange among students and faculty.
Collaborations
The project involves: Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze (Professors Veronica Montanino, Domenico Antonio Mancini, Marco Raffaele), Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara (Professors Elmar Giacummo, Mara Nerbano, Miriana Pino), Accademia Italiana (Professors Walter Conti, Chiara Ruberti, Francesca Ulivari), California State University (Professor Susan Allgaier), Fondazione Studio Marangoni (Professor Lucia Minunno), LABA Libera Accademia di Belle Arti (Professor Matteo Innocenti), and Istituto Marangoni Firenze (Professor Davide Daninos).
Special thanks to Professor Dario Orlandi.
Magazine presentation
July 1 2026, 18.00
Palazzo Strozzi, Strozzina
Microcosmo. Deep Listening is the magazine that brings together the voices of artists, curators, and academics in dialogue with the exhibition Rothko a Firenze, exploring from multiple perspectives the concept of deep listening and its meaning. During the presentation, the authors of the magazine will take part in the discussion.
For more information
Educational Department