Amidst fear and uncertainty of the pandemic, World Art Day, birthday of Leonardo Da Vinci, was celebrated by artists around the world with enthusiasm. Focusing on the positives and finding joy, through creation, various artist organisations held art exhibitions on 15th April 2021.

One such Virtual International Exhibition “My Artistic Tools “, was organized by Johanna Diaz, Encounter of the plastic arts, Costa Rica in collaboration with Generous Vella, Nel segno dell’Arte, Italy. To pay tribute to the world of art, the two organizations prompted a quick call to which artists from around the world responded with works, inspired by their artistic tools.

According to Vella, “Art cannot be separated from life and the artists’ purpose is to link it to human existence. This day invites us to rediscover art, to value the monuments, to the historic buildings we experience every day, to the works of art and architecture of our cities. We capture in art a new way to look at reality with other eyes, feeling more attentive to the world around us and learning in front of each work of art to reflect, discover more about ourselves, improve ourselves and see the essence of the things”.

‘This date is important to regain the value of art and creative thinking “- said Johanna Diaz. “A short-term challenge which unveils the extraordinary capacity and creativity of the artists who participated. Impossible to imagine a response beyond expectations and that satisfies me so much and it’s nice to think that we have managed to unite many countries and many artists united by a strong feeling for art “.

47 artists from countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Turkey, Costa Rica, Argentina, Spain, Italy, Ecuador, Panama, India, Austria, Brazil, Slovak Republic and Portugal participated, expressing what art means to them.

I represented India in the exhibition through my work titled ‘Small Scales’. Painting my geometric scales as I use abstract geometry for spiritual expression. Art, to me is meditation and geometry signifies concentration and discipline which is so much a part of meditation.

While, Díaz, indicated that through art we can express our most noble feelings, because art apart from being the best therapy in the world, keeps us alive, Vella expressed that art ′′ is perhaps the natural seat of love, where it can probably be revealed in its total demonstration and essence. The main tool for making art is love that is born of a pure and sincere heart “.

Art is a public confession, it’s a revelation of what others don’t see and what artists feel the need to represent.” Angelica Leal indicated that art is ′′a way of expression that brings the artist’s passion and dedication to form “. For Hector Bracho (Venezuela) art is ′′ the language of the soul, it is creation and liberation fused into one action ′′Patricia Gallo indicated that art is ′′ my life, I don’t know another, so I was raised and in all I see inspiration”. For Italian artist Lucia Spagnuolo ‘art is everything around us, passion for colors and experimentation. Materials is a daily challenge. Thanks to the art of existing, I also exist… express.’

Colombian artist Janeidith Jerez said that art is the desire to create, where a blank space is the perfect inspiration to make new worlds. For Costa Rican artist Lorena Artavia art is the motivation to continue her day because it fills her with energy. Renato Renéul ( Ecuador) expressed that ‘art is when you create a chair, a dress, a car, a house, the design of a toothbrush, everything that is created by someone is art, with an aesthetic objective, based on the reality or expressing their feelings in figurative or abstract ways.’ Raquel Torres ( Venezuela) indicated that ‘art is my best way to crystallize my dreams, my longings, loves and fears. It’s the ultimate thrill of meeting my own essence of being.’

Sabela Baña (Spain) indicated that “art is an instant of creating a game of chess toward infinity.” Maria Aragon (Costa Rica) says that art is the food of the soul, the tangible beauty perceived by the senses. Rebecca Morales (Venezuela) indicated that art is the window that allows her to go beyond the utopian sphere of life.

Trakya University, Faculty of Education Department of Painting and Craft Education with the International Painter Solidarity Association, as an International Interactive Jury on the World Art Day, also brought together 309 professional and successful artists, academician artists from 54 countries, as well as young talents. My work titled ‘ The Awakening 1’ which was selected.

In the arrangement and jury of the exhibition, which consisted of selected works and presented a visual feast, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mehtap KODAMAN, Assoc. Prof.Dr. Aylin GÜRBÜZ and Assoc. Prof.Dr. Figen GİRGİN. Trakya University Faculty of Music Education prepared the magnificent music of the exhibition with a live performance. The exhibition video was posted on the University page and the International Painter Solidarity page on April 15, 2021. The exhibition launch was held by URD Vice President Nazmi Metin.

My work titled, ‘Contemplation’ was part of International Mail Art Project Exhibition called the “Network Society” of Ministry of Education in Turkey, organized and curated by Müberra Bülbül, (Istanbul Başakşehir Science and Art Center) . This project was accepted by EU E-twinning Commission. Müberra Bülbül said that since their school was still closed due to the pandemic, the first of their exhibition was held at Göl Kitap Yayıncılık and the second exhibition will be held at the Ministry of Education Bilsem-Art Gallery later.

As the world faces tragedy, artists are trying their best to survive and bring solace to the world through expression of their creativity. World Art Day brought in more zeal in this endeavour.

Dr. Neerja Chandna Peters
Duendethestudio.com