In the world today, we are painfully aware of the impact of war, and the huge impact it has on the lives of ordinary people. Artist, Joao Ladeira, has been exposed to war, and has lived through the painful human crisis surrounding the circumstances and outcome of war. National and personal identities become shattered – it is through lived circumstances that Joao has found his voice concerning displacement and migration of people. Joao Ladeira`s works, represent an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this current discourse.
” This is an opportunity to give voice to the voiceless through art. It is a moment for civic engagement to inspire compassion and to return ‘Ubuntu’ and the human face to the suffering of the marginalized members of our communities. This is also an opportunity to celebrate the greatness of this Continent. As an artist, I believe to have a social responsibility to make a positive comment, no matter how small, to engage with an audience in dialogue.” Joao Ladeira