sōydivision is
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a contemporary art collective consist of Indonesians living in Berlin, positioned at the intersection of art and activism. As a registered art and culture UG (haftungsbeschränkt), Soydivision curated performances, organized workshops, culinary art activities, film screenings and discussion panels.The strategies focus on fostering  socially engaged art creation, in the form of social practice such : cathartic experience, re-questioning, or therapeutic healing, become themes of our artistic output or activities.Their diasporic perspective offers an alternative approach to contemporary issues through art and invites a new kind of dialogue and engagement.


pic taken from ARYATI Premiere in Uferstudios Berlin  by Yusuf Alhazar


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Soydivision’s activity started with the goal of provoking a discussion about the exploration and expression of identity through performing art and food. The goal originates from the member’s experience both as a foreigner and a long time resident of a country that does not share the same characteristics with the one they came from. This experience forces them to reevaluate their standing in this new society while retaining aspects of their pre-formed identity.


Pic taken from “Tanamantra - Salamantra” at Auufern Festival - Uferstudios Berlin, 2022. Pic by Dico Baskoro

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From the initial issue of identity, Soydivision enlarged its interest to the issues of social and environmental injustice. Coming from Indonesia and living abroad gives the member a certain perspective of environmental problems in their home country. However, various of these environmental problems are in connection to the demand of the global industries, leading to the exploitation of natural resources and labors in a non sustainable way. The connection and the critiques thereof became another theme that the members explore in their artistic creations.

Their initial contemplation on the expression of identity is now put also in the context of social injustice. To be seen as the other --either abroad or at home-- leads to further exploration of strategies to overcome stigmatized stereotypes and bridging the large gap of justice. The strategies focus on fostering  socially engaged art creation, in the form of social practice such : cathartic experience, re-questioning, or therapeutic healing, become themes of our artistic output or activities

pic taken from Empathy Supper at KW by Olivia Kwok

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