certain modern amenities; an aesthetic that is edgy, even.
Because art, history, and culture are not linear, going in
one direction. Our concept of beauty moves back and
forth along a continuum."
Here, then, is the very opposite of the stereotyped zio
americano—the "American uncle" who comes back to
the old country to flaunt his wealth with a brash, coarse
contempt for his backward cousins. As such, Miani views
her employer's project here as exemplary.
"It's so smart, so special, and I wish we had more Michael
Cioffis in Italy," she says. "He really believes in a better
world and you can see it here. It's a huge investment. But
a human investment, too. He has given an opportunity to
