The power of art in times of adversity
Marked every year on 15th April – Leonardo Da Vinci’s Birthday – UNESCO World Art Day is a celebration to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art.
This year, Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, said: “Bringing people together, inspiring, soothing and sharing: these are the powers of art, the importance of which has been made emphatically obvious during pandemic. With hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front line, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crises”.
To celebrate World Art Day, our Art Management team asked four colleagues to describe a piece of art that has inspired them in the past year. Their submissions included a powerful selection of artworks and thoughtful written contributions.
Matt Small, Shitima Boy, 2013, Colour Screenprint, 84 x 54 cm ©artist and Jealous Print Studio London
I came across Matt Small a few years ago while stalking the walls and catalogue at Jealous Gallery in Shoreditch. His 2013 piece - Shitima Boy - hangs on my living room wall. It is a kind but melancholy face that draws the eye of everyone I speak to over Zoom (the conversational tool I hope we’ll soon trade for real life). Matt’s work focuses on capturing the faces of people going about their daily lives; Londoners, rural villagers, all connected by Matt and his hand drawn storytelling style that commands our attention.
Natalie Campbell – CEO, Belu Water and Stonehage Fleming UK Advisory Board Member
David Harel, Jerusalem, 1974, Oil on canvas, 70 x 160 cm ©artist
This beautiful picture, painted by Jerusalem-based artist, David Harel, hangs in our Israel office. It is rich in colour and detail, showing a view of the Old City of Jerusalem. The width of the painting gives a sense of inclusivity – Jerusalem being holy to the world’s major western religions – with Judaism, Christianity and Islam all living together in close proximity. The painting is special to me as it represents Jerusalem as a city of peace.
David Bagraim, Partner - Family Office, Israel
Mikhail Verkholantsev, Orpheus and Eurydice, 2017, Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 65 cm ©artist
This painting, by Russian artist, Mikhail Verkholantsev has several meanings to me. The flaming hair symbolizes the artist’s passion – his relentless quest for beauty. Picturing Orpheus, whose music surpassed the songs of the Sirens and enticed wild animals and Maenads alike, this work reminds me of the correspondences between art forms. Indeed, Verkholantsev was inspired by the heavenly music of Claudio Monteverdi. Art, I believe, has a key role to play in today’s increasingly polarised world; reflecting on a shared cultural heritage can unite people.
Philippe de Salis, Partner - Head of Fiduciary, Switzerland
Portchie, Mixed Flowers in a joyful yellow vase, 2021, Oil on canvas, 100 x 85 cm ©artist
South African artist, Portchie, painted this work especially for Stonehage Fleming. It hangs in our Cape Town office. Over the past difficult months, the painting has reminded me to stay positive and look for the good in everyday situations. “When you look at this painting it will evoke joy in you, it will lift your spirit”, explains Portchie. “The different flowers represent the many family members of Stonehage Fleming, all with their own scent, flavour and personality. Only when you put them together do they become a harmonious arrangement which makes an impact on other people’s lives”.
Sophia Booysen, Director - Family Office, Cape Town
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