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."

 

On Stage with the London City Ballet | Maxime Quiroga

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. In our conversation, he shares his experience of working with a company that is bringing ballet to new audiences while honouring its rich artistic heritage.

Maxime's journey has taken him through some of Europe's leading ballet companies. After training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris and the John Cranko Akademie in Stuttgart, he went on to dance with the Stuttgart Ballet, the Royal Ballet of Flanders, the Wiener Staatsballett, the Ballet de l'Opéra de Nice and the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. He reflects on the different artistic cultures he has encountered and how each company has shaped him both as a dancer and as an artist.

Beyond the stage, Maxime has developed a remarkable career as a filmmaker. Since 2021, his dance films have received around 40 official selections and awards at international film festivals. He explains how his ideas often emerge through the dancers themselves—their personalities, movement and emotions becoming the inspiration for each film. He also takes us behind the scenes of the filmmaking process, sharing how choreography, camera work, lighting, editing and music work together to create stories that reveal dance from an entirely different perspective than a live performance can offer.

This conversation explores the many dimensions of an artist whose creativity extends far beyond the stage, revealing a passion for movement, storytelling and the ever-evolving possibilities of dance.


https://londoncityballet.com


https://maximemathieuquiroga.wixsite.com/home


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/ 

On Stage with the London City Ballet | Maxime Quiroga
Petra Sittig/Maxime Quiroga