I had the privilege to talk to the winemaker at one of South Africa's oldest Wine estates, Groot Constantia's. Boela Gerber has been winemaker as this historical wine estate for 22 years.
Read MoreThe 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."
His love and passion for ballet took Preston Li from Beijing to America.
Read More
Pianist and composer Nicolas Namoradze is talking about his latest project where he combines music and mindfulness, a sort of cross between mindfulness and music appreciation.
Read More
The process of wine making is creative and already starts in the Vineyard, says Winemaker Tyrrel Myburgh at Joostenberg wines.
Read More
"There's such a thing as nurturing the art and the artist is a way that they can fulfill their best potential and full potential in a way, without having to crush their souls"
Read More
"When someone is truly connected to themselves, then there is also the possibility that they can connect with someone else. " say Kinga Jakabffy.
Read More
After leaving Russia, Alexander Boldachev is now stuck at the airport in Istanbul for 4 days on his way to Zürich.
Read More
"Every wine is different and unique. You can't have a chemical fingerprint on each wine you make." says winemaker Stephanie Wiid.
Read More
"Having the ability to express feeling or emotion through the face is something I find very curious and intriguing" say the sculptor Gadi Leshem.
Read More
"I realised that an audience member does have a comfort in listening to something they recognise " says concert pianist Charl du Plessis.
Read More
Taking an instrument like the ancient Greek Lyre and making music with it is what Lina Palera love to do.
Read More
While on tour with the Rock Horror Show, I spoke to Ryan Goscinski who plays the role of Rocky in this very famous musical with music, lyrics and book by Richard O'Brien.
Read More
Dramatic Coloratura Soprano, Michelle Veenemans is talking about her career as a singer in South Africa. She started singing already at the age of 3 with her mum who is the well known Soprano Barbara Veenemans.
Read More
Christian Struppek is VBW Artistic Director responsible for bringing some of the most famous musical theatre productions to Vienna.
Read More
Concert Pianist Sebastian Forster remembered having two calls to become a pianist.
Read More
Working with the choreographer, Mats Ek was a great privilege for Ballet Dancer Luca Curreli when he was dancing one of the main roles in "She was black" at the Norwegian National ballet.
Read More
A book tour performance, "a whole kit and caboodle" on zoom for the world to see.
Read More
"What I've got from her by working on this piece is how deep her soul was. She was a big bundle of love
Read More
The Heroic Tenor, Jacques le Roux believes that the blind ambition a young person has is the best quality you can have
Read More
Dance and Ballet is an art form and if you get too obsessed about the body and what the body is doing, it becomes more like a sport, say Jo Meredith who is the creative director of the National Youth ballet in the UK.
Read More