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."

 

Koen Kessels - Music Director of the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Conductor Koen Kessels is Music Director of The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Koen talks about how he was affected by lockdown, how he started as a musician playing piano and his wish for the future. Not only does he give some great insight into the world of musicians, but also understanding for ballet dancers.

This interview is part of my project "Moments in Lockdown" where I photographed 500 artists in Vienna in their windows or balconies as well as 13 Ambassadors of various countries in support of the artists who were affected by the lockdown situation during the pandemic. I started this project in April 2020 up to January 2021 and in February 2021 I started interviewing artists from all over the world to get their insight into the situation.

I believe in the value and the importance of the Arts in our society and the role that it plays in the evolution of humanity. The pandemic has highlighted the lack of support and relevance that the arts and cultural scene has in our modern world. Thousands of artists and students have and are still unable to work, and many without any source of income. It is our generation’s responsibility ´- now more than ever- to raise awareness and re-educate our society to appreciate the contribution of the Arts and to recognise artists as members of a working community.

What initially started as a modest photographic project- simply wanting to uplift Artists, by photographing them in their windows from a street angle - very quickly became a much more significant and symbolic message.

The repercussions and consequences of this pandemic will shape the Artistic and Cultural industry long into the future and I believe in the importance of creating awareness and showing support for the many creative individuals and organisations who are fighting to create and envision a future where Arts and culture remain important and relevant in our society.

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