An International Juried Art Competition
To Inspire You & Bring Peace & Comfort
This exhibition was presented November 27, 2023 through February 29, 2024
“The Healing Power of Art: Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” online exhibition featured 57 Artists from around the world. It was organized to provide a place of healing and comfort for you. This page presents some of the art from the exhibition. You’ll also view art by Master Artists at the end of this page.
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS is an initiative of Manhattan Arts International, NYC, NY. It was established in 2015 to promote outstanding artists who share our belief that art serves as a catalyst for healing individuals, society and the environment. Our online membership gallery and our exhibitions promote artists to our worldwide audience. Learn more about us.
This juried competition was curated by Renee Phillips, founder and director of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS. Artists were judged on these entries, their statements, and their overall artwork as viewed on their websites. To learn about requirements and criteria used to make selections for this exhibition visit this page.
All Rights Reserved.
Do Not Reproduce Images Without The Artist’s Permission.
Please visit the artists’ websites.
Contact the artists directly to purchase their artwork.
Denisa Prochazka
The need for creation became reinforced with the birth of my own son and the desire to heal, protect and empower. “Love Manifested Into Being” depicts a dream vision of my own family coming into being. The blossoming of a child like a flower, this sculpture is a symbol of unconditional love, beauty, protection, guidance, support and vast responsibility of the growth of another human being. Our fate, our life, our being — intertwined in each other’s hands. My goal as an artist is to bring my art forward to public spaces so that passersby can find peace, beauty, and a healing connection for a moment in time in their life’s journey. denisa-sculpture.com
“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dr. Michael Durst
My artwork is all about “Love, Peace, Unity & Hope”. My works are called, “Heartscapes” because they express “Art from the Heart, for the Heart.” I love colorful impressionism and “Fractal Visions” because the energy imbued can be experienced on a cellular level, creating healing physically, intellectually and spiritually. Many layers of glazing exude beautiful translucent colors and a 3-D effect, reflecting an almost surreal, dreamlike quality, allowing the body, mind and spirit to heal as never before. heartscapepaintings.com
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul –
and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickinson
Nanette Fluhr
My life’s endeavor is to create beautiful and meaningful art. Portraiture is my avenue in that pursuit. Each painting is an opportunity to discover the truth of an individual’s essence; to capture their soul, not just their likeness. I like when my viewers engage and connect with my painting. Art has the power to unite and uplift the human spirit. My painting “A Lotus Grows in the Mud” is an expression of hope, love and peace. nanettefluhr.com
Despite all the troubles of our world, in my heart I have never given up on the love in which I was brought up or on man’s hope in love. In life, just as on the artist’s palette, there is but one single colour that gives meaning to life and art – the colour of love.” ~ Marc Chagall
Peter N. Van Giesen
Why does peace seem illusive, yet readily available? Am I alone the determining element? As I paint, I look up from my introspection to witness the answer writhing across the twilight skies. Absorbing the message, I too choose colors intuitively, releasing my thoughts of fear and turmoil. I reach my internal haven of calm as I send my gratitude back into the air, breathing deeply, completely serene as I add my initials acknowledging arrival to a place of peace. peternvangiesen.com
What a precious privilege it is to be alive –
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. ~ Marcus Aurelius
Bren Sibilsky
For me, butterflies symbolize rebirth, resilience, hope, peace and the freedom of love. It speaks of the powerful transformation from constriction and things hidden (cocoon), into the wings of freedom built from faith to float on the winds of change. Love equals unity and peace. Separation equals fear and hate. To choose love and unity is to leave fear behind and trust your ability to soar on the wings of love. brensculpture.com
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” ~ John Lennon
Sandra Belitza-Vazquez
Shortly before my breathtaking sunrise hot-air balloon ride ended in Luxor after flying over the Nile from the west bank Temple of Hatshepsut, I noticed the morning sun illuminating the hair of a child being carried by a young woman crossing a recently cleared field. The skim light on the woman’s face and behind her thin dress delineating her limbs firmly binds her and the child to the sun-drenched field she intends to cross. The scene radiates love. sbvaz.com
When we create peace, and harmony, and balance in our minds,
we will find it in our lives. ~ Louise Hay
Art by A Few Master Artists
“The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety.”
~ William Somerset Maugham
Berthe Morisot
Berthe Morisot was among the women artists who played a formative role in the major currents of European modernism, including Realism, Impressionism, and Symbolism. Most of her paintings include domestic scenes of family, children, ladies, and flowers, depicting what women’s life was like in the late 19th century. About love she wrote, “In love there is sentiment and passion I know only sentiment through myself, passion through others. I hear certain voices I know say: sentiment = love of the intellect; I can answer: passion = the love of the body.”
Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
~ Albert Einstein
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh wrote, “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” His painting “Starry Night” depicts the view from his dreary asylum room in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, just before sunrise. In spite of his condition the painting captures the aspirations of hope he derived from the sky and stars. He stated, “I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream.” He also wrote, “It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt is renowned for her extensive tender and loving series of paintings on the theme of the mother and child. She wrote, “I have touched with a sense of art some people — they felt the love and the life. Can you offer me anything to compare to that joy for an artist?”
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say,
and what you do are in harmony.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Henri Matisse
This large and universally popular painting by Henri Matisse evokes a joyful celebration of unity and freedom of expression. It complements his belief, “Creative people are curious, flexible, and independent with a tremendous spirit and a love of play.”
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin was a Post-Impressionist artist who sought to achieve a “primitive” expression of spiritual and emotional states in his work. Born in France, his avid intention was to escape European civilization. He wrote, “I have come to an unalterable decision — to go and live forever in Polynesia. Then I can end my days in peace and freedom, without thoughts of tomorrow and this eternal struggle against idiots.” He finally found the peace he craved in Tahiti. His advice was, “Let everything about you breathe the calm and peace of the soul.”
Only humility will lead us to unity,
and unity will lead to peace.” ~ Mother Teresa
Joan Miró
Joan Miró’s much admired whimsical paintings reflected his playful spontaneous nature and positive attitude. His love for fusing different seemingly disparate artistic elements and symbolism became his signature style. His art is a spontaneous synthesis of the real and the imaginary, abstraction and figuration, and image and text. He wrote, “Poetry and painting are done in the same way you make love; it’s an exchange of blood, a total embrace – without caution, without any thought of protecting yourself.”
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin is recognized as the most important sculptor of the modern era and has been the subject of much scholarly work. His sculpture “The Kiss” is known as one of the most romantic sculptures in the Western world. It portrays burning desire and passion. Rodin remarked, “The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.”
Georgia O’Keeffe
World renowned for her nature-inspired paintings “Blue and Green Music” is undoubtedly one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s most popular work of art. As with all of her work she achieved an exquisite color balance and rhythm and it exudes feelings of joy and hope. The undulating forms imply a unity between the visual and the aural, in addition to suggesting the harmonies that she perceived in nature.
Sonia Delaunay
This painting by Sonia Delaunay was created in her signature style of Orphism (Simultanism) — a theory uniting color and form in order to achieve visual intensity on the surface of the canvas. It has been described as a fusion of styles — an offshoot of Cubism that focused on pure abstraction and bright colors. It was also influenced by Fauvism. She aimed to create art with her head and heart simultaneously and wrote, “I love creation more than life, and I must express myself before disappearing.”
Claude Monet
Throughout the latter part of his life Claude Monet created many peaceful water lily paintings that conveyed his astute observations of color, light, shadow and reflections. He stated, “Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.”
Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt created “Hope II” (in German, Die Hoffnung II) in 1907–08. It was the second of Klimt’s works to focus on a pregnant woman, both depicting Herma, one of his favorite models. In many of his paintings he captured human emotions and his use of gold leaf and oil heightened luminosity. Although his main focus was the female body and often with erotica, it has been said that life, love, and death were important themes of his work. About hope Klimt said, “There is always hope, as long as the canvases are empty.”
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams was an American landscape photographer known for his black-and-white images of the American West. His reverence for nature led to his life-long advocacy for environmental conservation. He took many peaceful photographs like the one above looking across the calm lake toward the distant mountains and clouds. He wrote, “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.”
Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian’s abstract art was intimately related to his spiritual and philosophical studies and his depiction of color relationships. As he wrote, “Observing sea, sky and stars, I sought to indicate their plastic function through a multiplicity of crossing verticals and horizontals. Impressed by the vastness of Nature, I was trying to express its expansion, rest and unity.”
Watch A Video of Art from this exhibition
on the Manhattan Arts International YouTube Channel
Dear Rene——greetings from Lima. I think the new show is really excellent and like the inclusion of master works at end with that bold and pure Mondrian. As always keep up the great work in supporting fine artists throughout the world. I certainly appreciate it!!! Shall be back in Alberta Mar. 2. All the very, very best——-poul
Thank you Poul! Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!
A remarkable concept and display! The artists all show such unique concepts of healing hope and peace.
Thank you Russel, as you can imagine this exhibition was a joy to curate. I just visited your website and love your skillful and enthralling style of combining elements of realism with surrealism.
Excellent exhibition Renee. As a curator I know the amount of work that goes into organizing an exhibition. Your attention to details, excellent eye for arranging the works of art, and your vast professional experience shine through. I love your idea of adding Art by Master Artists. Is this going to be a new practice? I hope so!
Thank you Roger. It’s always a pleasure to receive a comment from you. I also received your email and replied. Thank you for your kind words. I’m delighted that you enjoyed viewing this exhibition with its splendid and diverse array of inspirational artistic expressions. Yes! I will continue to add Art by Master Artists to all future exhibitions that I curate. Isn’t it a joy to read fascinating facts about artists from art history? Roger, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season!
Renee, I applaud you for creating exhibitions that are timely, offer wide diversity and a few surprises — like adding Master artists — to open our hearts and minds. From the many shares I’ve seen in social media this exhibition is spreading widely around the world. I’ve reached out to a few artists in the exhibition inviting them to participate in an art and healing project I’ve been given a grant for. Thank you for providing the best resources! I’ll return many times and will share with many others.
Hi Elie, I appreciate your comment and excited to know you found artists in this exhibition that interest you for your project. Please keep me posted. Maybe we could do an article. Happy to know you’ve noticed the huge amount of attention and popularity this exhibition is attracting. Thank you also very much for sharing the link to this page. We all need more love peace, unity & hope so thank you for spreading the news!
Congratulations Renee for curating another amazing exhibition. Thank you for your mission of bringing healing art to the world. The quality and diversity in this exhibition make it outstanding and worth visiting often.. I visited several of the artists’ websites whose art interest me. I pleasantly discovered one of the artists lives nearby and I have an appointment to visit her studio soon. I expect to purchase one or more of her paintings. I always look forward to your shows and I recommend them to my friends and colleagues.
Shirley, Thank you very much for your positive feedback about this exhibition and for being a loyal subscriber of our newsletter. I’m delighted to know of your interest in purchasing paintings by the artist you discovered here. May they bring you tremendous joy for many years to come. Let’s keep in touch!
Thank you Renee for this stunning exhibit. I am so honored and humbled to be included. The works are incredible and the artists words inspiring. I love the addition of the work of the “Masters” and their words. This exhibit shows us how connected we all are and indeed spreads unity, love, joy and hope!. I am excited to share this exhibit! Congratulations to all the artists and to you for your spectacular vision.
With gratitude!
Paula
Thank you Paula, Your painting “We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Broadcast” offers layers of uplifting visual interest for us to explore and discover. Your positive ad statement provides viewers with the depth of your creative process. Thank you for commenting about my decision to include the “Masters” quotations and artwork. It connects artists of today with those from the past — an expression of unity. And, by using famous artists it improves our SEO ratings and drives more traffic to the exhibition! 🙂
Fabulous, Fabulous, Fabulous! Renee, you have an amazing eye for creating a cohesive and spellbounding exhibition with a diverse group of artists. Thank you for choosing my artwork, I am proud to be included in this talented group of storytellers. Giant hugs! Lisa
Thank you Lisa for creating “Reach for the Moon”. It is a soothing healing balm with your inimitable delightful imagery. It comforts us on so many visceral levels and brings waves of hope. We need your art more than ever to heal us. Giant hugs to you too!
Renee, thank you so much, and wishing you an amazing year in 2024!
What a timely show! Beautifully curated, each piece and accompanying words truly evokes the intentions of the exhibition. I could linger all day long among these meaningful works. Thank you for putting this together, Renee. I whole-heartedly believe in your mission of using art to heal. Congratulations to all the incredible artists!!
Karen, your art and charitable deeds inspire me to curate exhibitions like this one. Thank you for submitting “Prelude to Possibility” and your heartfelt statement. Thank for all you do to bring healing and positive transformation to others.
This is an exhibition that I will come back to, again and again. The positivity and energy can be felt in every painting. Thank you for including me alongside so many talented artists who share the same vision. Thank you for your hard work and dedication in promoting healing art to be shared with the world. Monique
Monique, Your meditative, calming painting “Healing Energy” is a powerful source of positivity for us all. Please return often to this exhibition and share with many.
Thank YOU so-so much, Renee, for having propelled that particular drawing of mine all the way to the top … to this vibrant, joyful, ‘hope-full’ exhibition of heartfelt creations!
Carole, Your extraordinary “All Same But Differently Imperfect” work of art is a wonderful healing message about unity in these times of division. We all need your art more than ever. Thank you for submitting it. Please invite everyone you know to visit the exhibition.
A wonderful exhibit with so many images and words of hope. Thank you, Renee, for creating this exhibit and making room for so many artistic interpretations.
Charlotte, Your painting “Light by Night” is a vision of fascination, depth and hope. Every time I view it I see more. You are an excellent painter and it’s a pleasure to include your art in this exhibition. Please invite others you know to visit the show.
Renee, Once again you have created an exhibition that is truly stunning. The clarity, texture, and colors unmistakably support the theme. What a joy to be part of something with artists from around the world.. We all direct our personal orchestras, but the music has a unifying and clear message: peace and love!
Mark, thank you very much for responding to this important call for artists with your uplifting photograph “Fleur” and your positive statement. I hope you will share the link to the exhibition with others.
Wow – a breathtaking exhibition where the words are as healing as the amazingly beautiful artworks.
I keep coming back for more as the emotion that is conveyed is full of hope, beauty, love and peace.
Kindness, respect, humanity and unity is what the world needs. This exhibition hits the mark on what the majority of the world is asking for. Thank you Renee for opening eyes and hearts to these important messages.
I’m am truly humbled and honoured to have a painting selected and showcased in this exciting exhibition where artists collectively support each other to convey meaningful messages.
My wish is that all artists have the freedom to paint what is in their hearts.
Thank you Andrea for submitting your gorgeous painting “Remembrance” that lifts our spirits. I love it and what you wrote “Like a poem that whispers to our hearts, these florals celebrate nature, beauty, love, and friendship.” So true! Please tell everyone about this important exhibition.
Thank you Renee. Yes I will!
Thank you Andrea! You’re the best! 🙂
I am truly amazed by the show! It is an honor for me to be a part of this wonderful exhibition, alongside such talented individuals and experienced artists. The main reason I decided to participate in this show is because of the Healing Power of Art and Artists, and your dedication to creating a platform that promotes positivity. Your efforts have deeply touched me, and I immediately felt a strong connection and desire to be involved in this movement. As I admire everyone’s breathtaking artwork, I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation. Congratulations to all! I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity.
Deborah, Your magnificent painting “Serenity” captures the peace and quietude you felt on Lawrence Lake in Yelm, WA. I love it. Thank you for sharing it and offering us the healing power of art we need. Please share this exhibition!
What an incredible show! I am humbled and grateful to be included in this beautiful exhibition, sharing the page with such talented peers and Masters! The Healing Power of Art and Artists and your passion for creating this space for artists that showcase positivity is primarily WHY I entered this show! What you are doing touched me so deeply, I felt an instant connection and wanted to be a part of this movement! I am feeling all the love as I view everyone’s STUNNING work. Congratulations to all! With profound gratitude- Lynn
Lynn, Thank you for contributing your extraordinary and meaningful work of art “Grounded”, and your profound words: “We are not meant to make this journey alone.” Your art and words spark feelings of unity, love, joy and hope! Please share the exhibition!