Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

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."

 

How Art Is Experienced Through the Body: Corinna Kühnapfel on Art, Science, and Embodiment

In this interview, I speak with Corinna Kühnapfel, a cognitive scientist and neuroaesthetics researcher whose work explores how we experience art through the body. Corinna shares how her fascination with science began in early childhood—dreaming of becoming an astronaut, joining a physics after-school club, and joyfully experimenting with science toolkits at home. Alongside this scientific curiosity, she also took piano and art classes, nurturing a deep appreciation for creativity and the arts from a young age.

This early blend of science and art shaped her academic path. After beginning her studies in cognitive science, Corinna moved into neuroaesthetics, driven by a desire to understand how art is perceived, felt, and embodied. As part of a Horizon 2020 project (2020–2023), she completed her PhD investigating bodily experiences with installation art, movement within gallery spaces, and how individual differences in body awareness and physiological responses influence emotional art experiences.

In our conversation, we discuss her research conducted in art galleries, where observing how people move around artworks revealed insights into attention, interest, and engagement. She also reflects on research inspired by an exhibition of Tomás Saraceno, highlighting how immersive artworks invite bodily participation rather than passive viewing.

Corinna is currently a Postdoctoral researcher at the Arts and Minds Lab at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Originally from Germany, she was also the first visiting researcher in Matthew’s research group in Vienna, joining on an Erasmus fellowship to work on an fNIRS hyperscanning and drawing project, which later became the topic of her Master’s thesis.

We also talk about the deep connections between art and science, and why it is essential for children to be exposed to both scientific thinking and diverse forms of artistic expression in schools—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and embodied ways of knowing the world

The artist's voicePetra SittigNeuroscience, art and science, Corinna Kühnapfel, How art is experienced through the body