"I think an Artist must embrace his own story and uniqueness." Says Jaco Sieberhagen, who is the creator of the most beautiful Silhouette sculptures.
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."
"As a pilot it took me basically 20 years to get a command with South African Airways and when you go and apply for a position like that, it's basically a 'for life' position because you're going on a seniority list and you work your way up the ladder..." says Marc Fourie - Airline Pilot.
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"I am really not a big fan of saying, no if you're an opera singer then you can't do musical theatre, because it's not true.
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There's a whole education that needs to happen on many levels because the talent in this country is exceptional, says Johan Engelbrecht, writer, actor, singer and designer in South Africa.
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"It's really important to me. I love the harp and I love music," says the harpist Glenda Allaway.
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"Motivation is the key word," says Airline Pilot Robert Schofield. "I think for most Pilots the pandemic has taken the wind out of their sails. It's trying to get back on track.
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"When we started to do the research we knew that Gin is our preferred drink as consumers and we realised that with Gin we could use our local Botanicals,"
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"I truly believe that listening to different music, studying different things and getting involved with what's happening around the world definitely help you build that person or that character that you want to be as an artist", says singer and songwriter Daniella Mass.
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"Maybe we have a slightly different way of viewing what the organ is, The girly organist," Rebekah Okpoti.
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"The general public have high knowledge about what food they want to consume. So to me it's the way to go," says Jared JiannLih Chuah, Pastry chef, chocolatier and Confectioner.
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"You become a family. Every airline that I've been with, you become a very close knit family," says Joanne Jordan who is an Airline Pilot at Safair.
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"Those of us who were under privileged were not ever about to know what a theatre is", says singer and actress Stephanie Baartman.
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"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.
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"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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