“Everything depends on the prism” – Art Project

I was honoured to take part in the art project, Training Course of Erasmus+, “Everything depends on the prism”. The Project took place in a beautiful village of Andalucia, Cortes de la Frontera. It took part in the middle of October and was organised by organisation “Amigos de Europa”.

Cortes de la Frontera

Cortes de la Frontera is a charming white pearl. It is hidden in the mountains of Andalucia, with a population of more than 4 thousand residents.

Most of the buildings have white coloration with roof tiles, cobblestone streets, secluded squares. Its colorful balconies are adorned with flowers. It was one of the wealthiest villages until recent times due to the cork industry that was located here. The village looks charming thanks to colorful tiled plaques that tell about the industries. Such as, the local products (cattle, grain, and honey), the history of the town, written poetries, and unique paintings on the walls of houses. It has hiking routes with a spectacular backdrop of the Serranía de Ronda mountains. And of course, the biggest treasure of the village is the local people. They always greet you with a smile on their faces, with a warm and welcoming heart, and passion about their lifework.

The art project

Together with youth workers from France, Spain, Bulgaria, Italy and Portugal we discussed the problems, opportunities and advantages of life in rural area. We discovered the cultural heritage of the region. We also used art methodologies in order to promote diversity and intercultural dialogue.

During the art project, we expressed our prisma through artistic tools, such as photography, painting, and storytelling. We created a Virtual Photo exhibition to show our vision of Cortes de la Frontera: El idioma de las miradas

Here are some of my works:

National Day of Spain during the Art Project

During the art project, I got a chance to feel the local life through the celebration of the National Day of Spain. It was commemorating the country’s history and achievements.

I got inspired by visit to Genalguacil village. It’s known as “Pueblo Museo” or “Museum Village” with dozens of works by contemporary artists, painters, sculptors, and potters from all corners of the planet. Genalguacil has 140 permanent works, of which more than a third are scattered throughout the town. Its narrow streets, roofs, fountains, squares, nooks, and crannies look like a masterpiece in an open museum. The village is proud of its Museum of Contemporary Art “Fernando Centeno López” which also consists of exhibitions of renowned artists, such as the “Unpublished Works of Picasso in Spain”.

The highlight of the art project was the Speed Painting Contest of the Cortes de la Frontera. Thus, we had a master-class of painting and sketching to be well prepared. The contest is supported by the Provincial Council of Malaga and is open to professional and amateur painters. During 9 hours artists from all over the world have to make a drawing of the village: its corners, landscapes, and scenes. This year the village hosted more than 40 artists who represented their artworks at the main square for a jury score. During this day streets and squares of the village are full of life and the atmosphere is festive and incredible.

A climate of total communion is generated where art becomes a communication vehicle that transcends any type of border. During this festival Cortes de la Frontera becomes creative, inspiring, and a global village.

It was my first experience taking part in such an art project. I wanted to express a fresh view for the village using contemporary art, simple lines, and bright colors. The process of creation was unforgettable and now Cortes de la Frontera will always stay in my heart!

I would like to Thank Asociación Amigos de Europa for such a high level of organisation, support and developing my artistic tools and skills!

The article was prepared by Sana Lisova — a journalist, researcher, and public activist.

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