Ai-Wen Wu Kratz

In the 2024 Prix De Lausanne Ballet Competition, the coach told the candidates, “Don’t let the pirouette be the boss. You, the dancer, are the boss.” My apprehension of the suggestion is: “Don’t do what you do mindlessly. But be the one to shape the outcome.” This gives me a lead to hike my journey as a painter. The fields of human pursuits are innumerable: technology, engineering, science, medicine, philosophy, religion, and a thousand more, all aiming at making ours a better world. The success resulting from the driven devotions of field experts is astounding. All alert my conscience to make my contribution with my education and training. For me, It is to produce artwork. I find inspiration in literature, classical music, contemporary stage design, choreographic lines in ballet, and vocal arts. I attempt to focus my works on spirituality, intellectualism, and aesthetics. My works are not intended for beautification, rather, they are to offer the viewer pathways to reach a higher level of spiritual and intellectual experiences. I am encouraged by Maria Callas’ words, “You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, even if your voice is less of fireworks. The artist is always there."