"I think that if you want to be convincing when you are performing, whatever piece of music, that piece of music, from a certain moment, has not to be written in the score anymore.
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."
"It's a fascinating process and it's once a year that you get this chance," says Hein Koegelenberg, CEO and Winemaker at La-Motte wine estate.
Read More"Culture, music and art, it gives us the possibility to experience things; Positive emotions, negative emotions, or just experience stories that would be impossible to experience otherwise," says Double Bass player Dominik Wagner.
Read More"I think winemaking is about timing. Most important: When do you pick the grapes. After that every step of the way is similar in many cellars, but it depends on what you do and when,"
Read More"The main pillars of academia that you have, to study a language, maths and science, and I think art is an important pillar that really builds any child's tenacity and their belief in themselves and also spiritually, how they develop themselves."
Read More"You know how to work it, your planning is better, your decision making on what you like, what is the right method to make your specific wine, here to get it from , when to harvest.
Read More"I guess it's when you work with something like this, or it can be when you work with your passion, it's nothing that I can turn off when I come home.
Read More"You need to make sure that you know all the ins and outs of flying." says Jacques Pienaar who is a commercial Pilot.
Read More"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 More"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.
Read More"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.
Read MoreThere'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.
Read More"It's really important to me. I love the harp and I love music," says the harpist Glenda Allaway.
Read More"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.
Read More"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,"
Read More"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.
Read More"Maybe we have a slightly different way of viewing what the organ is, The girly organist," Rebekah Okpoti.
Read More"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.
Read More"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.
Read More"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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