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."

 

The Language of Colour: Inside the Artistic World of Kennedy Etsegbe

In this conversation with Nigerian artist Kennedy Etsegbe, we talk about his journey as an artist, his love for colour, and how he uses shapes and geometric forms to tell stories about his community, identity and cultural heritage.


Kennedy graduated with distinction in 2023 from Tai Solarin University of Education in Nigeria, where he was recognised as the best student in painting. His work brings together figurative and abstract art, creating paintings filled with bold shapes, intricate details and expressive colours.


For Kennedy, colour is much more than something we see. He believes that colour speaks before we even begin to look at a painting. It creates feelings and energy, inviting us to connect with the work in our own way. There is so much to discover in his paintings that he sometimes takes time to sit quietly and look at them himself. For him, this is also part of the creative process, and he hopes that others will take the time to experience his work in the same way.


We also talk about his determination to become an artist. After leaving university, he sold his bed and other belongings to buy paint for his first painting. He simply wanted to paint, and nothing was going to stop him from following that passion. Today, he feels that he is living his dream because he can spend his time doing what he loves.


Kennedy is also passionate about inspiring young people. He wants them to understand that becoming an artist takes years of dedication and hard work. The finished painting is only one part of the journey. There are the first pencil sketches, the experiments, the mistakes and the time spent discovering a personal style. It is a journey that requires patience, commitment and belief in oneself.


And then there is his dream of having a solo exhibition. Kennedy already has ideas for making it something spectacular, and it was wonderful to hear him speak with such enthusiasm about what lies ahead.


I really enjoyed this conversation with Kennedy. It is always a pleasure to meet artists who are so passionate about what they do and who have a story to tell through their work. Through interviews like this, I hope to introduce more people to the talented artists in Africa and give them the opportunity to share their stories with the world.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 


The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 


The Language of Colour: Inside the Artistic World of Kennedy Etsegbe
Petra Sittig/Kennedy Etsegbe
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The artist's voicePetra SittigArtist interview, Kennedy Etsegbe, Colour