"If ever I cannot learn from somebody something, I'll take my wings, hang them up, go sit on the stoep, have a beer and look at the sunset" says Airline pilot Riaan van Zyl.
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."
"I see how much passion these people have for the ballet and for the dancers, " says Adrian Cunescu, hear of the Ballet circle of the Vienna state ballet.
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"This year is my 40th year on stage, " says actress and singer, Elzabe Zietsman, and the commitment that you have to have to your art, to have been on the stage for 40years in South Africa is huge
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I think art, music, a the end of the day is an empathetic art form. Music, I feel like the main purpose or the main goal is for you to share a human experience with someone else
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"And I think it puts us organists and the organs as instruments on par with, for instance; Violinists and Pianists, who can stand on a stage and we can clearly see what they are doing.
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"We're going into a really positive phase for the arts", says Jan Malan, Director, producer and Choreographer.
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"For a long way of the journey, you work on your skills, and you want to sound like what is in your head, the vision, " says Singer and songwriter Dara Winter.
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"And that was the first time I heard the orchestra in the pit. I was on stage, so I felt the floor vibrating because of the orchestra.
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"The idea is that the music is quality enough and that the illustrations are fun enough so that the whole family can enjoy it", says Chanda VanderHart.
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"I think once you divide art into these different categories then we have trouble. I always say that the best technique is to be able to express your intention up to the fullest.
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"The thing with ballet I find, it's a real team effort because sometimes the runs are very long, or there are many shows.
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"We met people from all around the world, so it was very interesting me how, at that moment, when everything stopped, we were able to connect in some other way with others by teaching and in some weird way "travel".
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"It's not just the hitting, because hitting the drum is of course really important.
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"What I like when I teach recipes, for me it's not just to learn the recipe, do this, do that. For me people should really embrace cooking.
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"It's a very popular instrument though it has evolved so much during the last 50 years and you can do so many more things than you used to do or hear.
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"There's a tremendous power in art healing us. But it's not because of the art itself, but it's because of the slowing down our lives from this hectic race we're running and we don't know where we're running to.
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"The old vine blocks that you find in each region truly are unique. You can truly see the difference that different soils can have on such an old block…
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"I think if you have a passion for it, don't ever give up on your passion.
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"For me the organic things is just a natural thing to do. If you're just a consumer you don't necessarily think about it.
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"So that, for me, is where the aeroplane and individual harmony needs to come into it's own. Where, it doesn't matter what happens, you're so in one with the plane, you're able to do literally whatever they can throw at you." says Patrick Davidson
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