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."

 

Paschal Ugwu: Seeing the World Through Different Eyes

In this interview, I speak with Nigerian artist Paschal Ugwu, whose captivating paintings explore the human form, observation and the many layers of the human experience.

Based in Abuja, Paschal has developed a distinctive visual language of disjointed human figures, dark skin tones created through expressive paint drippings, exaggerated eyes and a single ear. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, his figures are immediately recognisable, but behind their striking appearance lies a deeply personal story.

Paschal takes me back to his humble beginnings in Orba, Enugu State, where his journey as an artist began as a young boy drawing pictures in the sand and sculpting little figures from it. His fascination with images grew when he discovered My Book of Bible Stories. He began copying the illustrations from the book, and by secondary school he was drawing more and more, gradually realising that art was not simply something he enjoyed, but something he wanted to pursue. He went on to formally study art at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.


Paschal also speaks about the meaning behind the distinctive features of his figures. After losing the hearing in one ear, he became more observant of the world around him. His experience made him think differently about how we see and understand one another. The single ear in his paintings reflects this personal experience, while his exaggerated eyes speak to his belief that the eyes are the window to the soul. For Paschal, looking becomes a way of listening, noticing and connecting with another person.

I find Paschal’s paintings incredibly beautiful, but it was his story and the thought behind his work that left me deeply touched. There is something very quiet and human in the way he has transformed his own experiences into a visual language that invites us to look more closely.

Paschal dreams of seeing his work reach a much wider audience, and I sincerely hope that dream comes true. His paintings have a story to tell, and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to listen to it.

Every artist has a story worth hearing.


https://www.artsper.com/us/contemporary-artists/nigeria/116511/paschal-ugwu


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/

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Paschal Ugwu: Seeing the World Through Different Eyes
Petra Sittig/Paschal Ugwu
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The artist's voicePetra SittigPaschal Ugwu, Artist