Artistic Triumph through Tragedy

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Can tragedy, loss and death inspire great art? This week on The Cultural Frontline we meet four artists who have created work born out of some of life’s most painful moments. The artist Petrit Halilaj reveals how the memory of the family home lost during the conflict in Kosovo became the inspiration behind his latest work. The writer Laia Jufresa takes us to the mountains of Mexico’s Guerrero state, a place where violence, disappearances and murder coexist alongside a hub of artistic creativity. Buckle up and prepare for the world’s most dangerous ride with the artist Julijonus Urbonas. We find out why he designed the concept for a “Euthanasia” rollercoaster which aims to both bring joy and to kill its passengers. Plus has a work of art ever changed the way you see the world? The poet and writer Ben Okri reflects on the transformative power of the Greek tragedy, The Oresteia. Presented by Tina Daheley. Produced by Mugabi Turya, Kirsty McQuire, Lucy Ash, Shoku Amirani, Nancy Bennie, Kate Bullivant and Alice Bloch. (Photo: Family heart. Photos on the wall of teenage girl's bedroom of her missing brothers in Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico Photo Credit: Yael Martinez)