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!
VOICES
Victoria Casillas
open category
During the last year, I have been working on this piece which consists of a compilation of personal stories of citizens from the 28 European member states who currently reside in the UK. Once I have received the stories I embroidered the words into an organza material in both English and their native language, each story is 1.50 x 1.00 m in dimension. ‘Voices’ highlights multilingualism within communities and the mixture of cultures sharing those spaces within cities, trying to accentuate the human factor. The organic feeling of the material floating appears ghostly and mingles with the viewer; however the experience is further complemented by an audio montage which fills the space with a murmur. As an artist I like to observe people’s interactions in society, studying a way to symbolise controversies of both a political and cultural nature. The reactions and interactions established between the art piece and the viewer's perception when exploring the art work is captivating. How can art catalyze change?: In my opinion, this process creates critical feedback from which WE can learn from . Proposed as symbol.
During the last year, I have been working on this piece which consists of a compilation of personal stories of citizens from the 28 European member states who currently reside in the UK. Once I have received the stories I embroidered the words into an organza material in both English and their native language, each story is 1.50 x 1.00 m in dimension. ‘Voices’ highlights multilingualism within communities and the mixture of cultures sharing those spaces within cities, trying to accentuate the human factor. The organic feeling of the material floating appears ghostly and mingles with the viewer; however the experience is further complemented by an audio montage which fills the space with a murmur. As an artist I like to observe people’s interactions in society, studying a way to symbolise controversies of both a political and cultural nature. The reactions and interactions established between the art piece and the viewer's perception when exploring the art work is captivating. How can art catalyze change?: In my opinion, this process creates critical feedback from which WE can learn from . Proposed as symbol.