Press release : Art for a good cause with Raphael Tanios

The young artist Raphael Tanios has decided to collaborate with the Stëmm vun der Strooss by offering one of his artworks for sale. The proceeds will be used to finance part of the salaries of 12 people employed by the Stëmm vun der Strooss. As part of their programme to reintegrate the long-term unemployed, cooks, production assistants, drivers and secretaries contribute their expertise to the organisation’s eight locations.

As part of the “Memento” exhibition of the Printemps du Cercle Artistique Luxembourg, the artist Raphael Tanios recently received the “Jeune Talent 2023” prize for his portraits in oil on canvas. By connecting the world of art with the world of the homeless, Raphael Tanios aims to support people affected by precarious living conditions.

The painting in question is a tribute to an inspiring person who had decided to withdraw from society and live on the streets. It is an attempt to preserve from oblivion the memory of a person rich in goodness, humanity, intelligence and resilience. Adalbert (Albert) Boros, born on 18 May 1931 in Hungary was an engineer who worked on various buildings and infrastructure. The most famous example is the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte bridge, also known as the red bridge (Rout Bréck) in Luxembourg City, completed in 1966. According to urban legend, his wife committed suicide when she jumped off “his” bridge, causing him to withdraw from society. Since the bridge was created, many people have taken their own lives in this way in the capital.

This was one of the reasons why Albert, some know him by the name Boris, chose to live as a homeless person near the central station in the 1970s. He was very good at mathematics and liked to help students with their homework if he got something to eat in return. Albert was one of the best known and most tolerated homeless people in Luxembourg. He passed away at the age of 82 years in Echternach on 26 April 2013.

Alexandra Oxacelay, Director of the Stëmm, appeals to any art lover, philanthropist, municipality or company who would like to support a young local artist and disadvantaged people at the same time: ” It is a good opportunity to honour an exceptional and respected person like Albert and to highlight the local art scene while supporting the Stëmm.”

More information about Raphael Tanios:

http://www.raphaeltanios.com/