THE HARMONY PEACE PRIZE 2023
About the Harmony Peace Prize
The Harmony Peace Prize is a global initiative organized by Ipeacedoctors, an NGO that promotes Harmony as a diplomatic tool to overcome conflict, thus facilitating the natural synchronicity between humans and Peace.
Contrary to current discourse, Ipeacedoctors view Harmony as the absence of violence, whereas Peace, considered the third “cosmic substance”, together with time and direction, simply reflects the universal order that is not subject to production nor destruction.
Inspired by Lorenzo de Medici, the ruler who digressed from a Machiavellian type of political leadership, the Harmony Peace Prize 2023 has experienced an unprecedented collaboration from the international community of artists. From Japan to through the Middle Eat, across Europe and all the way to Mexico and USA, they have sparked serious debates about the role of Harmony in areas of conflict.
Under the theme, “The Expression of Harmony” the competition has been open to artists from all around the world to capture the essence of Harmony as the absence of violence.
The Geneva anti-war panel of judges were impressed by the high quality of entries that brought deep emotions to the surface. All participants were declared winners, however after a long and meticulous consideration, the judges were able to announce the three most influential artworks.
First Prize Winner, US$3,000 ,“Time and Life” by Abbas Saberi
Medium: Embossed, engraved and painted on aluminum base (3D effect), se decorated with crystals, pearls, turquoise and red coral
Size: 131cm x 47cm
Abbas Saberi’s painting, “Time & Life,” captures the essence of Harmony with intellectual depth and exquisite beauty, inviting us to immerse ourselves in the wisdom of the cosmos. The graceful pirouette of the Earth around the Sun, portrays the gentle passage of days, weeks, months and seasons, all choreographed in the dance of time and life.
In his artwork, Saberi Tabriz uses crystals to depict the celestial clock that orchestrates the unwavering rhythm of time. Saberi calls time “the river of life”, a poignant reminder of our place in the universe, not as separate entities, but as integral parts of the entire universe, connected by the invisible threads of pure existence.
Saberi-Tabriz explains that in this interconnectedness lies our strength and our resilience. When we recognize our place in the grand scheme of things, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
For him, the “expression of harmony” extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing the interconnectedness of all beings, including humans, animals, and plants. Each creature, no matter how insignificant might seem, contributes to the delicate balance oflife, as opposed to the balance of power.
Second Prize Winner, US$2,000, "We, The Children of Earth” by Skanda Ravindra, Chennai - India
Medium:- Watercolors, marker, and pens
Size: 30cm x 40cm
In this painting, Skanda Ravindra’s artistic creativity not only captures the essence of the Harmony but it also raises a strong emotion.
Ravindra is inspired by his own native country, India, a country proud to be the most ethnic diverse in the world. Ravindra’s artworks is a reminder that we are all children of Earth, and as a mother, she bears with our tantrums, irrational behaviour crossing the border of humanity.
Ravindra’s artwork pays tribute to the mother of our world,, who patiently awaits for her children to grow human, as they bear the responsibility to preserve life.
Third Prize Winner, US$ 1,000, "Lotus" by Ritu Atwal - California, USA
Medium:-
Gond, an ancient Indian tribal form.
That has moved from the old mud house walls to the contemporary canvas maintaining the same belief that looking at good images brings loads of good luck. Hence it is the women who take on their artistic skills to paint their homes with colourful images to protect their families.
Size: 61cm x 76cm
The Lotus is a symbol of Peace. However the stems are hardly ever seen in artworks. Yet, in this intricate paining of classical Indian folklore, Atwal’s artistic courage depicts the strength of the lotus roots underwater, holding strong against the currents while still connected with each other.
The lotus on the surface looks beautiful for the simple reason that is grounded. The same can be said about humans. According to Ritu Atwal, “no matter what we all look like on the surface, to respect ourselves and be able to respect others, we must stay rooted, it is the only way to connect with each other”.
The exquisite elegance of this painting highlights the wisdom of nature that celebrates the beauty of diversity together with the strength of respect, as the fundamental principles to achieve prosperous ways of living.
The Winning Challenger is Irfan Khan’s leading Spogmai Ali’s team in Peshawar, Pakistan
Medium:- Watercolours
Size: 27.5cm x 37.5cm
While all participants unanimously agreed that the complexity of Harmony is an essential instrument for humans to prosper, a group of young artists led by Irfan Khan from Peshawar, raised concerns about the physical barriers that hinder the efforts of Harmony-building.
The young artists’ critique underscored the need to address not only the underlying causes of conflict but also the tangible barriers that impede Harmony-building. By dismantling these physical and metaphorical walls, we can create a more open and inclusive environment where harmony can flourish, humans can prosper.
The Challenger artwork is a moving portrait of a young Afghanistan mother looking at Harmony from a far distance. The artists used watercolours to symbolise the endless tears shed when humanity recedes into barbarism.
In addition to the First Place, Second Place, and Third Place prizes, Ipeacedoctors have also commissioned the young artists to develop the Harmony-building concept.
Their artistic creativity will serve as a reminder that Harmony is much more than the abstract concept alluded in the current narrative. Harmony is in fact, a tangible reality that requires concerted efforts to overcome physical, psychological and societal barriers.
Finally, we would also like to congratulate and thank once again, all of the artists that have participated in this first edition of the Harmony Peace Prize, as well as the noble judges working end wars in Geneva and all other international facilitators in US, Mexico, UK, Tunisia, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South Korea and China. Your collaboration raises a powerful reminder of the importance of Harmony-building.
Contact: Cristy Artola ipd-law@outlook.com
Related article: An Art Creation Can Change Lives https://www.transcend.org/tms/2023/11/the-harmony-peace-prize-2023-international-art-competition/ www.transcend.org
Testimonials
Ritu Atwal
Participant
The harmony, peace prize project was such a wonderful opportunity for me as an artist to lend my vision, in whatever small way, to a very crucial subject. I have participated in other art shows with varied themes, but nothing as meaningful as the message of this “call for art”. It felt more like a “call for action”. In the world that we live in today, where there is so much focus on the differences, and a drive for seperation, Peace and Harmony is an invaluable platform to celebrate what unites us. The team was so easy to work with, and so generous in their awards. A special shout out to Cris Cabrejas, for creating this unique opportunity for artist around the world and bringing them together for this worthy cause. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I came across the Harmony Peace Prize when I was looking for an avenue to express my creativity during my spare time. I found resonance with the theme Harmony and Peace, so I gave it my hundred percent and poured my thoughts and soulful feelings into it. Overall, a fantastic and a very memorable experience for me personally in 2023, and I look forward for any future events that are to come from International Peace Doctors Team.
Skanda Ravindra
The Harmony Peace Prize Winner (2nd place)
