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."

 

Art from the Environment: Eva Obodo on Material, Memory, and Meaning

In this conversation, we meet Eva Obodo, a visual artist from Nsukka, Nigeria, whose work spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. From his earliest memories, Obodo has been captivated by the act of creating. As a child, he drew pictures in the sand at school—ephemeral sketches that vanished with the wind—teaching him the beauty of impermanence and the importance of process over permanence. At home, his parents encouraged his creativity, even allowing him to draw on his bedroom walls, showing him from a young age that art was valued and that self-expression mattered.

Obodo’s practice today is deeply connected to these formative experiences. He works with fibre and charcoal, transforming discarded and everyday materials into relief paintings and free-standing sculptures. Using techniques of wrapping, tying, and bundling, he constructs vibrant, tactile visual narratives. His charcoal pieces reflect on Nigeria’s natural resources and the impacts of development, while his fibre works, often composed of tightly wound nylon threads, create colourful metaphors for the intricate connections between individuals, communities, and global economic networks.

In our conversation, Eva shares his philosophy that art should emerge from one’s immediate environment, telling stories rooted in personal and communal histories. He explains how a piece of coal became the foundation for a work reflecting the coal mine where his father worked—a material that carries both memory and meaning. Beyond his artistic practice, Obodo is a passionate advocate for the arts in education, emphasizing that engaging with art cultivates transferable skills, nurtures critical thinking, and encourages creative problem-solving—lessons that extend far beyond the studio.

Through this interview, we explore how Eva Obodo intertwines memory, material, and society, offering a compelling glimpse into the mind of an artist who transforms everyday substances into powerful reflections on life, work, and community.


https://afikaris.com/artists/115-eva-obodo/


The artist's voicePetra SittigEva Obodo, Visual Artist, Nigerian Artist, Artistic Practic