How does someone with a bi-ethnic background feel about identity? What influence does origin have not only on the own perspective, but also on one's own artistic work?
I talk about this with visual artist JOHN YOUNG. Born in Hong Kong, John was given to Australia by his parents as a child to protect him from the unrest of the Cultural Revolution. He has remained there ever since.
John is an internationally highly regarded artist, not only because his work is characterized by a particular aesthetic, but because he works very much from a historical perspective. His art gives a voice to people who have made a special contribution in intercultural contexts, namely as mediators between different cultures. People who stand for humanity.
In this episode you will find out,
- how people living in diaspora feel about identity
- why identity is a fluid, changing process
- how history helps us to develop empathy
- how one's origin can shape the own artistic work
- why artists are important mediators and eternal learners at the same time
... and much more.
This is the first artist talk in the WE ARE ART! podcast.
And in view of current world events, I couldn't be more keen to give a voice to exemplary people like John, who have been working impressively and tirelessly for decades to promote mutual understanding, empathy and humanity.
Here in the podcast, we live and celebrate diversity and talk about it with each other.
We are different.
We are art.
I hope you enjoy listening and would be delighted if you subscribe to this podcast!
Much Love
Sylvia
LINKS to the Episode
JOHN YOUNG
Website: https://www.johnyoungstudio.com
Instagram: johnyoungstudio
ART WORKS (Selection)
Paintings
History Projects
Safety Zone
Exhibition Bonhoeffer in Harlem
SYLVIA VOLZ
Instagram: @dr.sylvia_speaks
Facebook: Sylvia Volz
LinkedIn: Dr. Sylvia Dominique Volz
Email: hello@x-to-flow.com
FURTHER LINKS
Brian Castro: Website
Joseph Beuys: Eurasia
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Cover Foto: Franziska Krois & Chantal Hofer
Foto John Young: Dan Mahon I
Jingle Musik: Epidemic Sound
Jingle Voice: Karoline Pfeiffer