South African artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren is a painter and poet whose life has been shaped by a deep and enduring love for creative expression.
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Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.
The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.
Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.
The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.
Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.
In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."
In this interview, I speak with contemporary fiber artist Jen Morgan, whose richly textured work celebrates the people, culture, music, and distinctive sense of place that define New Orleans and beyond.
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Finding Strength Through Music: A Conversation with Ashley Nkiwane In this beautiful conversation, I speak with Zimbabwean singer Ashley Nkiwane about music, loss, faith, culture and the healing power of finding your own voice.
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In this interview, I speak with Jaco Verwey, organiser of Rocking the Vaal and spokesperson for the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce, about a town on the banks of the Vaal River, its people, its challenges and its remarkable resilience.
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Berlin-based pianist Nikolay Medvedev, originally from Russia, brings together a deep love for the Romantic repertoire with a curiosity for music that crosses boundaries.
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Dario Savino Doronzo, soprano flugelhorn, and Livio Minafra, piano and composition, came together through a shared curiosity for sound, expression and artistic exploration.
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William Bejedi is the charismatic frontman of Willy & The Sheiks, a seven-piece band bringing swing to life with energy, charm and a fresh twist.
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In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Precious Akindele, a rising pianist, organist and contemporary classical composer from London.
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Winemaking is both a science and an art. It requires knowledge, precision and an understanding of the elements that shape a wine, but also creativity, intuition and a deep connection to the vineyard.
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When I first spoke to South African opera singer Monica Mhangwana in 2022, I was struck by her positive outlook despite the many setbacks she was facing in her career. At the time, she described it as feeling like taking “one step forward and ten steps back.” Little did she know that a new opportunity was about to change the direction of her journey.
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What happens when a love of music becomes stronger than the career you thought you were meant to have?
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Music has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, transcending language, geography, and culture. In this conversation, I speak with Sophie Melrose-Doering, Project Officer for Music and International Artistic Exchange at the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation (VIDC)
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Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Margaret Chisolm has dedicated more than three decades to caring for patients, educating future physicians, and advancing humanistic medical practice.
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In this episode of The Artist's Voice, I speak with trumpeter and music educator Jonas Krause about finding the courage to redefine success.
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Some artists write songs to entertain. Others write songs to understand themselves—and, in doing so, help others understand themselves too. In this episode of The Artist's Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with emerging singer-songwriter Nick Anthony, whose thoughtful songwriting invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
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There is something deeply inspiring about speaking with artists who understand that music is about far more than notes on a page. In this conversation, I had the pleasure of talking with internationally acclaimed conductor and composer Sebastian Perłowski,
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Some instruments seem to find the musician rather than the other way around. That was certainly the case for my guest, harmonica player, composer, and producer Ilya Portnov.
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Currently performing with the London City Ballet under the artistic direction of Christopher Marney, Maxime Quiroga offers a fascinating insight into what it is like to be part of the company's exciting new chapter.
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Richard Case's path into music is anything but conventional. Growing up in South Africa, he pursued a degree in Mathematics at the University of Cape Town rather than formal musical training.
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Tobias Hoffmann is a multi-award-winning German saxophonist, composer, and arranger whose music bridges the worlds of contemporary big band, European jazz, and the freedom of improvisation.
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