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."

 

Neuroaesthetics Explained: Art, Beauty & the Brain with Prof. Anjan Chatterjee

In this fascinating episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with speak with Professor of Neurology, Psychology, and Architecture and Director, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics.

A distinguished neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Chatterjee shares insights from over three decades of research in spatial attention, language, and the intricate relationship between language and space. The conversation delves deeply into his pioneering work in neuroaesthetics—a field he began exploring in the late 1990s, long before it gained academic traction. As one of the early voices in the field, he reflects on its evolution and growing relevance, particularly over the last decade, where a notable surge in publications has marked its emergence as a serious area of scientific inquiry.

Professor Chatterjee discusses his influential book, The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art, in which he explores the biological foundations of aesthetic experience. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary theory, his work investigates why humans are drawn to beauty, how our brains process art, and what this reveals about cognition and culture. He explains how aesthetic preferences influence everything from our perception of faces to our reactions to visual art and design, offering compelling insights into how beauty affects our brains, behavior, and decision-making.

The interview also highlights the promising work of a new generation of scientists who are expanding the field of neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture, bringing fresh perspectives to the study of how art and design shape human experience.

Professor Chatterjee’s interdisciplinary approach—bridging neuroscience, ethics, and aesthetics—underscores the importance of understanding the brain not just in clinical terms, but as a central organ of cultural and emotional life.

https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p15498


The artist's voicePetra SittigAnjan Chatterjee, Neuroscience, the Aesthetic brain, How we evolved to desire beauty and enjoy art