This week I visited Rome to experience both contemporary and classical art. The first stop was Maxxi, Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo. Here are a few highlights from the visit:

The image above shows Korean artist Choi Jeong-Hwa's Golden Lotus 2015. A giant inflatable which slowly blooms and then closes again, it's described as a breathing flower. It is designed to bring art to outdoor spaces not traditionally associated with art.

The image below shows the Golden Lotus in its open state from a walkway above. I would describe this as using a natural form in an unatural way, completely manufactured yet enjoyable due to its being based on nature and the life given to it by appearing to 'breathe'.

This image shows one end of Anish Kapoor's vast installation Widow 2004. The huge work looked like a double ended black ear trumpet, this made a change form the domes we are all so used to, yet the curved shape was extremely pleasing, the material was reminiscent of bouncy castles and heavy duty tarpaulins. If felt very architectural and fitted into the surroundings well. In the foreground is an installation of loud hailers from the Istanbul. Passion, Joy, Fury. exhibition.

I really enjoyed the architecture of the Maaxi building, this photo (left) is of the second floor, showing a walkway, walls and the ceiling. The image on the right is of another of Choi Jeong-Hwa's works, it looks like it's made of textiles if viewed from a distance but is actually made up of green plastic colanders. The installation hangs from the ceiling which gives it an air of fantasy and there is something slightly alien or other worldly about it. Walking among the columns also made me think of woods and forests. I liked the aesthetic and the experience of it.