Announcing the Winners of the BE OPEN Art Regional Competition for Oceania

BE OPEN Art: Celebrating Artistic Talent in Oceania



The BE OPEN Art initiative recently unveiled the winners of its regional competition focusing on six Pacific countries, an integral part of its mission to highlight rising artistic talents reflecting their cultural and ethnic identities. Established by Elena Baturina's humanitarian think tank, BE OPEN, this online gallery continues to make strides in supporting emerging artists in their communities.

The latest phase of the competition concentrated on the vibrant landscapes of Oceania, including nations such as Australia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Over the course of three months, featured artworks from twenty talented artists have been displayed monthly in the online gallery, culminating in public votes to determine the standout artist of each month.

Through this unique empowerment initiative, public engagement plays a crucial role, as community members cast their votes to celebrate artistic diversity. At the conclusion of this phase, one artist is chosen as the overall representative for the region, bolstered by votes from both the public and members of the BE OPEN Art community.

This year, the coveted fellowship of €500 was awarded to Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho, a self-taught artist and illustrator, resonating with the essence of Maori identity. Huriana's work intricately delves into themes of cultural heritage, identity, and the intersection of individual and collective narratives. By challenging conventional artistic expressions, her practice advocates for decolonization while simultaneously honoring the cultural traditions of both the Maori and Pacific cultures.

Additionally, a personal fellowship of €300 was granted to Tania Calvo, a talented young artist from Vanuatu, personally selected by BE OPEN’s founder, Elena Baturina. Tania draws inspiration from her multifaceted ethnic background and a profound connection to Vanuatu's artistic legacy. Her mantra, “Always be your true self,” encapsulates the authenticity and vibrancy present in her artistry, enriching her works with deep introspection and energetic spirit.

BE OPEN extends heartfelt appreciation to the Oceanic Art Society for their invaluable support in connecting with the artists of Oceania. The competition is a part of BE OPEN Art’s broader goal to spotlight emerging talents who demonstrate social consciousness through their art, highlighting aesthetic solutions to contemporary issues.

As the search for new influencers within the art scene continues, BE OPEN invites everyone to contribute to this enriching journey, enhancing visibility and celebrating the cultural narratives represented through art. This initiative not only helps elevate novice talents but also serves as an inspiring reminder of art's power to reflect and transform society. With the winners announced, the anticipation for next year's competition is already beginning, raising hopes for an understanding and appreciation of the manifold identities within Oceania’s art community.

Engagement in the arts proves to be a significant aspect of cultural representation, and through projects like BE OPEN Art, there's an incredible opportunity to build awareness and foster global dialogues on identity and creativity. We congratulate all participants and look forward to seeing their continued artistic journeys unfold.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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