The Open Call for the Social Art Award 2019 under the topic “We are the People – Peaceful Revolutions” was closed on December 15, 2019. We are very impressed by 558 submissions that were contributed by artists coming from 65 countries across all continents.
The winners of The Social Art Award 2019 are Narcissa Gold (USA), Melinda Mouzannar (Lebanon) and Bogna Grazyna Jaroslawski (Poland/Germany). The Honorary Mention goes to Kingson Kin Sing Chan (Hong Kong/UK).
Below you find the artworks, that passed the initial jury round. The public voting took place till 30 December and is a tool to give more public visibility to the topic and the artworks. It does not replace the final jury judgment. There were two wildcards for the most voted artworks that entered the final shortlist.
The focus diversity of applications shows that artists are active in the multi-faceted fields of socially engaged art reflecting on wars, genocides, femicides, traumata, violence against refugees, children, women, men, disabled people, LGBTIQs, animals. They share feelings for the planet and its living species, but also showing hopelessness due to complex crises be it climate change (e.g. in regard to water pollution), capitalism, corruption, a violation against human rights, nature, protected national parks. Many of the artists are constantly trying to give a voice to the poorest or empower unheard social groups.
It’s not only about peaceful revolutions, but it’s also about feeling a deep connection and showing love and respect for each other.
Thank you all for sharing your great and inspirational work and look at all the great contributions!
#outside_observer — Place for Meditation
Daria Pugachova
open category
Artist called himself #outside_observer wears orange overall (symbolizing suit of a renounced swami and a worker; a person without personality). He takes a piece of a carton from the street and finds a place for meditation. Being peaceful, sitting quite with eyes closed, he is a challenge for society. Reactions could be different: from ignoring, laughter, surprise, compassion to flout, anger and aggression. Whatever comes, artist observes it without attitude, diving deeply in his practice. Staying still, he becomes a mirror of society. *photo from PFM #3 was made on 25 MAY 2019 in Kyiv How can art catalyze change?: Artist is no more person who only paints, creates sculptures etc. Artist nowadays should affect minds, cause emotions, make people think in a different way. Instruments of such art could be even invisible. I choose meditation as my instrument. I created image of artist: orange overall, shaved had, peace of cardboard to sit on it. It's a mix of monk, worker and homeless. How will society respond on this silent gesture? Some people treat it with understanding, compassion and even start meditating together with me (especially kids). Some people become aggressive, showing anger, indignation and even physical abuse. I put myself on purpose in such harsh conditions. On the one hand I develop my skills of meditation: in public spaces it’s much more difficult to concentrate. On the other hand, I reflect emotions and thoughts of people. Why do you react on silence in a specific way? Observe your feelings and think about it. Is it possible to stay who you are in a modern society? My experience shows that part of the world still labels, judges something that is different from their usual reality. Little figure in orange overall sitting quit on the street reminds you that reality could be different, when you come across me you'll be different. In pursuit of a place for peace and rest, turn around and look — you will not find it. Wherever you are, it is always here, inside of you.
Artist called himself #outside_observer wears orange overall (symbolizing suit of a renounced swami and a worker; a person without personality). He takes a piece of a carton from the street and finds a place for meditation. Being peaceful, sitting quite with eyes closed, he is a challenge for society. Reactions could be different: from ignoring, laughter, surprise, compassion to flout, anger and aggression. Whatever comes, artist observes it without attitude, diving deeply in his practice. Staying still, he becomes a mirror of society. *photo from PFM #3 was made on 25 MAY 2019 in Kyiv How can art catalyze change?: Artist is no more person who only paints, creates sculptures etc. Artist nowadays should affect minds, cause emotions, make people think in a different way. Instruments of such art could be even invisible. I choose meditation as my instrument. I created image of artist: orange overall, shaved had, peace of cardboard to sit on it. It's a mix of monk, worker and homeless. How will society respond on this silent gesture? Some people treat it with understanding, compassion and even start meditating together with me (especially kids). Some people become aggressive, showing anger, indignation and even physical abuse. I put myself on purpose in such harsh conditions. On the one hand I develop my skills of meditation: in public spaces it’s much more difficult to concentrate. On the other hand, I reflect emotions and thoughts of people. Why do you react on silence in a specific way? Observe your feelings and think about it. Is it possible to stay who you are in a modern society? My experience shows that part of the world still labels, judges something that is different from their usual reality. Little figure in orange overall sitting quit on the street reminds you that reality could be different, when you come across me you'll be different. In pursuit of a place for peace and rest, turn around and look — you will not find it. Wherever you are, it is always here, inside of you.