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On May 5, 2025, the vibrant city of Vienna played host to a captivating new exhibition by Filipino painter Mar Balcos, titled “Art Aqua.” Held at the Gallery Vienna at Mahlergasse 11, 1010 Vienna, this exhibition delves deep into the intricate relationship between water and well-being. Balcos draws from various documents and programs from UNESCO, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the World Health Organization, integrating their insights into his extraordinary artistic narrative.
The Essence of Water and Well-being
1. Exploring the Connection
One of the core themes of the “Art Aqua” exhibition is the profound connection between water and human well-being. The significance of water is evidenced in various global initiatives aimed at sustainable development and mental health improvement. Mar Balcos effectively highlights this connection through his artwork:
– Cultural Relevance: Water has always been an integral part of various cultures, symbolizing life, renewal, and purity. Balcos takes this age-old understanding and reframes it within a contemporary context.
– Scientific Perspectives: By referencing documents from global organizations such as UNESCO and WHO, he establishes a direct correlation between access to clean water and improved mental health outcomes.
– Holistic Interpretation: His paintings reflect the emotional and psychological nuances of our interactions with water—how it nourishes life, shapes communities, and influences individual well-being.
This alignment with recognized international standards underscores the importance of creating harmony between humans and their environment, a message that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world.
2. Personal Vulnerability and Healing
Mar Balcos’s artworks are not merely representations of water; they also narrate highly personal stories of loss, trauma, and healing. One of the standout aspects of the exhibition is the way it weaves his narrative with larger societal issues:
– Ancestral Wisdom: Balcos traces a line through ancestral indigenous cultures, celebrating their profound understanding of water and its significance. This recognition reminds viewers of the wisdom that has often been overlooked in modern society.
– The Personal Touch: The exhibition also candidly addresses the trauma of losing his beloved brother through drowning. This experience has had a lasting impact on Balcos, shaping his artistry and mental health journey.
– Art as Therapy: His paintings illustrate a breakthrough moment in Balcos’s struggle with mental health, showcasing art as a powerful therapeutic medium that provides solace and connection in times of distress.
Through his vulnerability, Balcos invites the audience to engage with their emotions, encouraging reflection on their experiences with grief, resilience, and healing.
3. Advocacy Through Art
Beyond the boundaries of traditional art, Mar Balcos utilizes his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and resilience-building, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to being a painter, Balcos is a motivational speaker who shares his experiences regarding stigma and discrimination, providing hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. He stresses the importance of building resilience within both individuals and communities, especially during a period of recovery such as the post-pandemic reset. His artworks serve as a visual feast and a call to action for collective healing.
Balcos has become a respected ad hoc advocate for inclusivity in society. Supported by organizations such as Earth Charter Austria, under the leadership of Ms. Anastacia Yatsko, his work promotes the idea that no one should be left behind. This powerful message, articulated through his art, resonates with many, particularly in the Filipino community in Austria.
“His authenticity is palpable and compelling. We proudly welcome Mar as an ad hoc advocate to build an inclusive society, leaving no one behind. We are honored to endorse this exhibition with our partners, Earth Charter Austria,” Ms. Fran Eve Wright said. Eve Wright is the acting president of the UNESCO Club Vienna and an associate member of the World Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO (WFUCA). She is also a member of the International Association of Applied Psychology in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Affiliate of the International Science Council. Affiliate of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS). Former World Federation for Mental Health member, the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, and the Society for Ethnomedicine.
Mar Balcos’s “Art Aqua” exhibition transcends mere artistic expression; it is a profound exploration of the relationship between water, well-being, and mental health. By cleverly merging his hardships with universal themes, Balcos presents a compelling narrative that highlights the importance of water in our lives and emphasizes art’s healing potential.
As the exhibition continues to receive positive recognition and support within the community, it undoubtedly reminds us of the resilience and strength that can emerge from vulnerability. Balcos’s work calls on us to foster healing within ourselves and nurture vibrant, inclusive communities in an ever-changing world. Indeed, through art, we find opportunities for connection, peace, and uplifting the human spirit, showcasing creativity’s crucial role in our journey toward well-being.
The Aqua Art Exhibition of Mar Balcos runs from May 5 until May 31, 2025. City Gallery Vienna is located at Mahlergasse 11, 1010 Vienna. Opens every day from 14 to 20 hours.
- Hector Pascua
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