THE HARMONY PEACE PRIZE 2024

PATRONS OF THE ARTS IN PURSUIT OF HARMONY: THE ABSENCE OF VIOLENCE

International Peace Doctors (IPD), as patrons of the arts, launched the prize first edition last year (2023) from Texas, USA, as part of its Peace Education and Mediation Programs. As an international NGO for peace, IPD believes that harmony is the true absence of violence.

HARMONIC APPROACH IN CONFLICT

Inspired by the legendary Lorenzo de’ Medici, a renowned patron of the arts and architect of Florentine harmony during the Renaissance, this international prize seeks to foster harmony through creative expression. Medici’s legacy, marked by his support for artists and his cultivation of a stable society amidst a turbulent era, serves as a powerful model for our pursuit of a world without violence.As an outstanding diplomat, Lorenzo was a great advocate of harmony and to this day, continues to be praised for neutralising military threats from neighbouring city states, such as Naples and Rome.By implementing a harmonic approach that embraced diversity and respect, Lorenzo proved how treating adversaries with respect was the key strategy to ensure long term prosperity for all.Like Lorenzo, IPD believes that conflicts must be resolved harmoniously for the simple reason that a harmonious order fosters harmonious unity, where all members of society can flourish without violence or tyrannical aggression.

THE RISE OF HARMONY

Following de Medici’s foot steps, IPD continues to recognise the vision of the artists in the pursuit of harmony. The theme of this year’s Harmony Peace Prize is the Rise of Harmony, a concept developed by none other than Michelangelo, a protegé of Lorenzo de Medici.

As a young Florentine, Michelangelo was exposed to de Medici’s vast art collection of sculptures,

paintings and, of course, ancient Greek philosophy. Lorenzo’s patronage nurtured Michelangelo’s intellectual capacity and creative talent. A privileged education at such an early age played a crucial role in shaping Michelangelo’s artistic genius. Medici’s protegé was to become, not only a true cannon of the Italian Renaissance, but one of the greatest artists of all time.

Michelangelo established himself as a painter, a sculptor and an architect. His impressive talent was recognised during his own lifetime as the embodiment of artistic perfection. He was the chief architect of the final design of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and sculpted The Pieta, one of the most admired sculptures in the world.

But, perhaps Michelangelo is more commonly known today for his famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. One of the scenes, the Creation of Adam, is an image of profound theological and philosophical depth that captivated the world. This scene holds significant symbolic relevance to the concept of harmony, not only due to itsbalanced and proportionate composition, but because it represents the harmonious connection between humanity and divinity.

Here, Michelangelo extends God’s hand to touch Adam’s hand striving for harmony between the two – a dynamic state that requires continuous effort to bridge the gap between humans and their surroundings.

Yet, a closer look at the scene reveals Michelangelo’s three more subtle reflections: First, the transfer of a power higher than the potential of human intellect. Second, Adam’s hesitance to receive such power. Third, the gap between both hands suggests a mutual desire to connect and rise in harmony.

Michelangelo’s masterpiece serves as a timeless reminder that true harmony is not a static state but rather a dynamic process. It requires a constant effort to bridge divides and connect with ourselves and our surroundings. This rise of harmony, beautifully captured in “The Crea

tion of Adam,” resonates with the core values of the Harmony Peace Prize, inspiring humanity to create a more harmonic, yet diverse world.

As discussed in The Harmony Peace Prize last year’s edition, the Renaissance man sought to follow the ultimate perfection to solve intellectual, artistic, political, and social problems with humanistic ideals. For Michelangelo, as well as his patron Lorenzo de’ Medici, art held the potential to motivate and transform people’s lives in harmony. Their idealism was a cornerstone of the Renaissance, inspiring generations to seek beauty, respect, diversity and prosperity in their world.

This is precisely the goal of the Harmony Peace Prize 2024, to promote harmony making a difference in people’s lives for without harmony, there is no peace and ultimately “rationality turns bitter and leads to chaos, the source of human suffering.” Lorenzo de’ Medici.

THE HARMONY PEACE PRIZE 2023

Last year, under the theme of “The Expression of Harmony” the art competition was open to artists from all over the world. The three most influential artworks came from United Arab Emirates, India and USA. The big surprise was the theme challenger from Pakistan.

Launched from Houston, USA, the concept has captivated artists as well as the general public and government institutions from all over the world.

PASSIONATE ABOUT ART?

If you would like to make a contribution to the development of Harmony through the arts, don’t be shy and register now for The Harmony Peace Prize 2024, by contacting info@ipeacedoctors. com or simply registering on www.ipeacedoctors. com. Cristina Cabrejas-Artola, IPD Co-founder.

International Peace DoctorsTM (IPD) is an international NGO for peace that promotes harmony as the natural part of human interaction leading to better relationships, more productive workplaces, and safer environments. They do this by providing training and mediation services to education institutions, businesses and government institutions. //

RITU ATWAL
THE HARMONY PEACE PRIZE WINNER (3RD PLACE)

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 separation, 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.

SKANDA RAVINDRA
THE HARMONY PEACE PRIZE WINNER (2ND PLACE)

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.

IRFAN KHAN
THE WINNING CHALLENGER

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.

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