Art in times of confinement

ART IN TIMES OF CONFINEMENT by Victoria Itagyba

I remember. Not too long ago, waking up before the sunrise, getting ready as fast as possible, taking the overcrowded underground with my coffee in hands, hopefully waiting for someone to stand up and I, luckily, sit to wait for the station I would jump out. “Excuse me, sorry!” I think I repeated 3 times until I could pass the doors of the train that was about to close, already. It was March the 1st, last moments of Paris Fashion Week. I had heels on, running on the streets of Paris (it was not a good idea…). However, I could not wait for the spectacle I was about to involve myself in. All the creative hardworking people, mixed with colors, fabrics, music. I have worked and waited for this the whole year, basically. I have a memory of my excitement and a feeling of anxiety - but the good kind. Far away from the crowded cultural streets of Paris, far from the movies, and colorful events, we are forced to take a long and sometimes uncomfortable look to ourselves. To try to find out what we can do to kick out anxiety, and uncertainty. Chatting to many friends and watching the news, I figure out we are all looking for a breath of fresh air inside our own walls. After a moment of “dawn!. There is nothing to do at home!!”, by having a looking at my room, I found what (in that “old normal” daily routine) was lost. The tall shelves, full of books, old vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and a box with even older pictures reminded me of that color pallet from that event. Would this nostalgic mood, be a trend nowadays? I took my favorite childhood CD, from ABBA, to play in my mom`s vintage CD player that was not in use since God knows when… Listening (maybe also dancing...) - do not laugh - the Dancing Queen, I went through those shelves, inspiring myself with what, once upon a time, was a treasure forgotten in my own house.

There, I saw a pastel color palette from the autumn, winter 2020/2021 collection. The models running back and forward, almost as a blurred From that day, I inspired myself to open my mind to one million possibilities and ways we can get in contact with art from home.

painting. Shadows, makeup, creative hairstyles, accessories, shoes, all the production! From design… until photographers… The high rated critics with their technical point of view, already bringing creative writing to life in their minds.

Most people do not realize how much art is created for that event. In that single space. Today, in a blink of the eyes, we are all home. Here, me and my memories of what now seems to be far away from reality. Alike a puzzle that space had in its pieces, its own artistic way of life. It all feels like yesterday, but it also sounds like another life…

Leading creativity to other levels, meaning innovation and a new way of thinking. We are much more connected to our favorites TV series now, we finally have time to read that book that we never had enough time and energy to do so. Or even that inspiring idea of painting a frame. On that day, moving things around, I found a picture lost between books and CDs. It was my dad and I, a long time ago, painting together. How could I forget we used to paint together? That is why, here I am now, in front of tint, brushes, and my on-going “artistic movement” at my own house. ample of how we can encourage souls and, absolutely make the most of isolation by expressing ourselves with what we already have at home. We are finally comprehending that we can live without planes, restaurants, or physical shopping. And we confirmed that we would not live without movies, books, or music. The fine line between getting crazy and staying sane its in the art. That is why culture, in any way, is so important whatever if you are in a room full of people or in safety, at home. ***

It is more important than ever to reconnect ourselves to what is here, now! A moment to express the frustrations and doughts of what is happening, and also celebrate life, family, and heroes out there. It is time to think about a new start ahead of us. And how we are going to write our next chapters. For that, there is no need to go too far. All the tools are in the most comfortable place on earth. At home. Art in times of confinement has now, a new personal meaning.

Isolation can lead us to increase creativity.

In the world of literature, painting, and music, isolation is intertwined with creativity. “Without great solitude, no serious work is possible,” said Pablo Picasso. The famous Spanish painter seamed to understand well the difference between solitude and loneliness. The noisy influence from outside can easily fade the true call from our essence and great ideas inside us.

Jean-Dominique Bauby, French journalist, and former editor-in-chief from ELLE France, after a stroke, woke up to a new reality: Physically paralyzed, diagnosed with “Locked-in syndrome”. Which he is still mentally aware. Jean wrote a book choosing letters by blinking his eyes, explaining his new vision of life. This is a real ex

In four quick interviews, via Facetime, I have asked: two painters, one photographer, and a dancer, what are their opinion on how important is the art in this moment of life, and what inspires them in this chaotic world that we are living in.

“On empty days like these, our insatisfaction is transformed in art. I love drinking whiskey while I am in front of a canvas, the mix of colours and my liquor revels me the hidden colours inviting me into a new vibe, almost like a prayer. A cure.”

“ I used a mirror from home. I could see my whole body reflected in front of my eyes. It was very interesting as a new experiment which I discovered new poses. Being my own model was definetely challenging.’

- Esther Barki, Painter.

Esther Barki Self Portrait in Water Colour

Esther Barki Self Portrait in Water Colour

“Before being written by the poet, painted by the painter, ex- pressed through the body of the dancer or seen by the eye of the photographer, ART is born in the soul of the artist. Art is not and it will never be confined.”

- Becca Rebequi, Photographer photography by Becca Rebequi

photography by Becca Rebequi

“Music helps us to stay sane, exteriorizing our anxiety through dance. In the current scene or at any time art awakes the soul.”

- Luana De Maria, Dance Instructor

Photographer: Becca Rebequi Creative direction: Victoria Itagyba

TRY NEW THINGS

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READ ABOUT WHAT YOU LOVE

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RESEARCH

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TAKE TIME TO YOURSELF

Reconnect with your body by treating it well. From face-masks to meditation.

WATCH A GREAT MOVIE

I personally love Vicky, Christina Barcelona, it always inspires me. After all, Woody Allen movies are always worth the time.

EXPERIMENT THINGS WITHOUT PRESSURE

This is the time to allow yourself to try. You are safe at home, alone or with people you love, the family. There is no boss, no teacher, no tests! Just do it freely.