“I have something here in my hands which can not be taken away from us” says Bandura player Bohdan Shutka.
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."
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"Music felt very powerful and that's what changed my mind after the very first show.
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"I think Baroque music, there's a kind of physical aspect to it, which is at the same time very earthy but also quite profound because it links with your body in a way." says Erik Dippenaar
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Choreographer Fabio Adorisio. As a young boy already Fabio showed his love for dance and after going to ballet classes in Italy, he later joined the Ballet school of John Cranko in Stuttgart.
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"Reviving the ancient Greek Lyre should be for everybody and not just a few, and this is what we are trying to do" says Lyrist Theodoros Koumartzis.
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"Comedy has just developed more as an art form where now, comedians can decide, how much do I want to involve comedy in a topic" says Comedian and Actor, Schalk Bezuidenhout
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"... back then, even though I just wanted to be a pianist, I just wrote as a dream: 'Conductor in Vienna', I just put it out there. And then suddenly I find myself here.... Yeah, dreams come true!" Andrej Vesel - Conductor
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Starting to play the piano at the age of 40, Kris soon established himself not only as a pianist, but also as a composer and creator.
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"It's good to concentrate on your ballet life but it's also nice to be open to other things, to be able to do more cultural things or just to get some inspiration from outside" says Nina Tonoli, ballet dancer
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Scott is talking from his studio where he is creating the most spectacular art works in the form of Chandeliers from items that he recycles.
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I learnt many lessons from ballet, the good, the bad and everything in between.
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"What I like to bottle, is something that's from this place, one hundred percent! It's not been tweaked, it's not been manipulated..." says winemaker Callie Louw of Porseleinberg wines.
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"For me it never felt like sacrifice. It felt like a choice and what I wanted to do and I wanted to devote time to it. " says Principal Ballet dancer Ksenia Ovsyanick
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"I've never worked a day in my life", says Chocolatier Jeffrey De Weyer. "Every day I arrive at my job, but honestly, it's the greatest job in the world to be a chocolatier"
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"I was always looking for ways to bring music to the farm and combine it with wine" says winemaker Cerina van Niekerk, winemaker of Cecilia wines.
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"Sometimes you discover something really brilliant when you make a mistake" says Steven Den Toom, Luthier.
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"My pastry is not only about eating. It is enjoyable, it has colour, different layers and texture." says Jeffery Koo. People should experience his pastry with all 5 senses.
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"I think what is interesting to me is the blending of different musical genres" says Jazz Pianist and freelance musician Richard Seniow.
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Being close to nature and listening to the sounds of the forests, the fields and the ocean around her is what inspires Catherine MacLellan to write her beautiful songs
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