Visual Art as a Positive Transformer

The essence of Greek art | Axel Ewald (pdf)

In addition to the Games, the youth engaged in artistic activities through various multi-media and artistic endeavors such as painting and drawing. Through art youth were encouraged to find their own unique way to articulate their story, beliefs and future dreams. Art projects provide an alternative outlet to communicate in ways that transcend language barriers. Art projects also provided a way for those who were not as athletic to show off different talents that they have or want to improve.

Art teachers from different countries were brought along to the festival to help facilitate different art projects and encourage creative channels of expression among the participants. Through drawing and art, participants were able to share cultural and traditional practices with the others as well as articulate their experiences and the beauty of their home country. The art projects were a unique way for participants to relay their personal stories and experiences in a way that transcended language and inter-cultural barriers. Drawing and art also ranged from different subjects and media among the students, thus there was an array of expression and creativity that complemented the AllinPeace art program.

The art teachers were trained to emphasize aspects that reflected philosophic ideas expressed in Greek art that uphold eternal values, ones that don't change over time. They also focused on the needs of children from troubled environments who need to have positive images and universal humanitarian values that would empower them. In a most playful and simple way art was used to overcome the inherent barriers of spoken language.

Some of the philosophic ideas that were developed included the breathing quality of ebb and flow, the sense of change as a constant, and the avoidance of excess. Art teachers reinforced concepts that reflected human values and needs, helped to build a model city-state as an expression of community, active observation of each other, a sense of togetherness, and a positive respect for differences.

Art activities included visual expression of themes such as love, friendship, strength, and peace in order to unlearn and overcome competitive and aggressive attitudes and meet the children's universal needs for safety and acceptance. The children also created a model city-state by drawing people, houses, trees, and animals and after cutting them out placing them on large pieces of paper with the name of their city-state, such as Knossos, Thebes, Sparta, Athens, etc. The children also made city-state banners with the symbols of their city. These banners were then painted on cloth and carried onto the field during the Festival games.