ICDO’s Long nights of Interculturality 2023 „Climate Change and Sustainability“ Art Exhibit

 

The “Long Nights of Interculturality 2023 : Climate Change and Sustainability” art exhibit brings together a diverse group of artists from around the world to explore the urgent and interconnected themes of climate change and sustainability through the lens of contemporary art. This thought-provoking and visually stunning exhibition is a reflection of our planet’s current environmental challenges and the creative responses they inspire.The theme is still somehow connected to last year’s “Peace and Cultural Diversity.”

 

ICDO (International Cultural Diversity Organization) organized the 6th edition of the”Long Nights of Interculturality” from 18th to 24th of September 2023 with various events and activities.

Schedules

September 18, 18:00 – 19:30
Opening Panel Discussion & “Climate Change & Sustainability”
Location: Azerbaijani Cultural Center, Bellariastrasse 8, 1010, Wien

September 19, 16:00 – 17:30
Indigenous Rock at the Gates of the Amazon” Workshop
Location: Weltmuseum Wien, Heldenplatz

September 20, Vernissage : 18:00
“Climate Change & Sustainability” Art Exhibition
Location: Yunus Emre Institute – Währinger Str. 6-8/14-15

September 21
VIP Gala Dinner
Location: Palais Berg – Schwarzenbergplatz 3

September 22, 18:00-20:30
Costumes of the World Show
Location: Rathaus Festsaal – Liechtenfelsgasse 2

September 23, 19:00-20:00
‘Voices of Change’ 2023 Virtual Panel Discussion
Online, ICDO’s Facebook Page @icdo.at

September 24, 12:00-21:00
Documentaries Around the World
ICDO YouTube Channel

Art Exhibit For a Cause

“Climate Change and Sustainability” art exhibit is about exploring and artistically conveying the importance of embracing diversity for a more sustainable future in the face of climate change. 

The Vernissage was graced by various legates, mostly from countries whose works are represented. Miss Earth Water 2022 Nadeen Ayoub (Palestine) also graced the event with her presence.

Here are some of the artists I talked to and my impression of their works.

Norlie Meimban (Philippines)  – “Awareness of Mother Nature” Norlie has been the consultant for the Long nights of Interculturality for years now. He has flown to Vienna since the project’s inception to participate and has also given out art workshops during those times.

His large-scale painting  features silhouettes and images of people holding representations of the biosphere. Norlie used shades of black, white, gray, and brown, as well as muted tones like beige and taupe on this piece. By using neutral colors, he creates a sense of balance and harmony in his composition. Toning down the intensity of brighter colors and create a more soothing and balanced visual experience. The neutral colors also gave a sense of classic elegance and timeless quality.

By enhancing the biosphere elements, the neutral colors in the background strategically created contrast and emphasized the said elements within the composition. Paired with bright, saturated colors – here in blue and green, the neutrals make those colors stand out more vividly.

Solomon Okpurukhre (Austria/Nigeria) – “What goes around, comes around” Solomon is an award-winning artist based in Austria whose paintings have been exhibited nationally, as well as in Germany, England, and Senegal. His striking works of art often features man-made items that tend to be discarded around. This is evident in his piece for the exhibit featuring a hose, metals, plastic items, and other materials that gave the artwork its unique texture. This is his own contribution to ‘upcycling’ – incorporating  recycled materials into his innovative art ideas.

Solomon believes “Art is boundless in terms of social thinking and also readily opens up friendships.” True enough, as artists and art enthusiasts, we are glad to be acquainted with someone who works on the same goal as raising awareness about climate change.

Sonia Siblik (Mexico/Austria) – “Chontali – Kalchaki” Art has been a part of Sonia’s life since she was a child. It was her father who influenced her most through his antique and art collections.

Sonia is both a sculptor and painter.  Her two-piece fish sculptures are made entirely from recycled newspaper and cardboard collected from daily use. Her work serves as a poignant commentary on the impact of people’s actions on marine life.

William Cacares Garcia (Ecuador) – “Arlequin” William’s art dominated the exhibit, having the most pieces on display. His works reflect a lot of floral colors in abstract, with the sun illuminating the scenery. One can also see the influence of Inca civilization in his colorful works.

Other artists whose works were on display include:

Jerson Jimenez (Dominican Republic) – “Mar caribe”
Nastart Mamai (Kyrgyzstan) – “Cosmic Evolution”
David Celi (Ecuador) – “Bosque urbano disierto” “Marea Baja Low tide”
Luis Villarroel – Chile
Yegana Azadova – Azerbaijan
Marie Andree Goncalves – Venezuela/Guatemala/Portugal
Andrej Grilc – Slovenia
Hui Zhu – China
Tamara Salamin – Panama
Marvin Balcos – Philippines/Austria
Bransha Gautier – Austria
Juan Muñoz – Colombia
Omar Carbonero – El Salvador
Carles Berruezo – Spain/Mexico
Masha Lenivkina – Ukraine
Nastar Mamai – Kyrgyzstan

This multifaceted exhibit engages the senses and the intellect, inspiring viewers to contemplate the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability while celebrating the power of art to raise awareness and drive positive change.  “Climate Change and Sustainability” serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, encouraging visitors to consider their role in shaping a more sustainable future for our planet.

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