About Alex Sepkus: "Alex Sepkus is out! Or, as he might say, Alex Sepkus is also not so out. In a world full of designers scrambling to turn fine jewellery into an offshoot of the fashion industry
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."
Mike Hines, co-founder and creative director of epoch, IS epoch. With a reach far and wide from Chicago to across the globe, Mike has made his impact in the floral industry by defying the rules
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Peter Quanz, Resident Choreographer of Harbin Ballet & Artistic Director of Q DANCE, is a Canadian choreographer of international renown known for his groundbreaking choreographic collaborations in dance, music, and visual art.
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MC van Rensburg is a sixth-generation farmer, farming in the Karoo (Khoikhoi word for desert) within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. During a period of drought in this area, he decided to start doing leatherworks and designed and created beautiful leather bags, belts and much more.
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Martin Gillespie is a man of many talents. One of the founding members of Skerryvore, a contemporary Scottish traditional music rock band, he plays the accordion, bagpipes and whistle.
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"Art is intrinsically part of me. Playing in my father’s studio (he was the well-known SA batik artist, Louis Steyn), the smell of wax and paint intoxicated me. I could paint before I could talk.
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John Havu, Creative developer in Theatre, was born in Chicago and following university degrees in education and music began a career as a musician in symphony, opera, ballet orchestras in the US, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland and Germany,
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About Carolina: "Introducing myself is perpetually difficult. I am one of the odd, rootless people of a new generation: my mother grew up in Brazil, my father in Austria, and I, around the world.
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Hat designer Cha Cha, moved to NYC and soon realized Seventh Avenue was not where she would find her people. Her tribe would be quirky and slightly awkward.
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Following the intense desire to make chamber music in orchestras and a wide variety of ensemble formations, musical training on the recorder and piano, ultimately led Beatrice Holzer-Graf to the cello.
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Ricardo González Zurita is a mexican-spanish classical guitarist based in Lithuania. He started his musical career in his native country México
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Even though, her piano repertoire is large and diverse (XVIIth - XXIst century), Giedrė Mažeikaitė González will always have a soft spot for the classical music patriarchs
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Hand crafted Hats, by hat maker, Jack Savage. Inspired by a love of Nature and connection to Spirit, Jack strives to create unique, one of a kind pieces that tell a story and speak to the Wild within.
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Elli Milan: "Life is meant to be lived abundantly, triumphantly and outrageously romantic! Whatever your spirit leaps at, whatever makes your heart swoon and your soul dance, these are the things to live for.
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Marius Roca, the 14 year old Ballet dancer from Barcelona: "For me competition is, first of all, competing with yourself and learning from other dancers and teachers. It's also an opportunity to learn self control."
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Kerson Leong has been described as “not just one of Canada’s greatest violinists but one of the greatest violinists, period” (Toronto Star).
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"Anthony Waichulis is a contemporary Trompe L’Oeil painter from Northeast Pennsylvania. Often celebrated by critics and collectors alike, Waichulis’ efforts have captured top honors
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"The Singer/Songwriter, Chris Beer offers uplifting performances filled with charismatic singing, rapping, catchy chants and superb rhythms.
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Ben Creighton Griffiths is a touring Jazz and Classical musician based in South Wales, UK. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the Under 18 division.
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