Next Stop: SAVVY! Invisible Borders in Berlin

Invisible Borders stop over at SAVVY Contemporary on their way from Lagos to Sarajevo to tell us about their transcontinental road trip, works created thus far and impressions they gathered in Berlin:

The Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organization is a platform that assembles African artists (photographers, writers, video artists, art critics, art historians and performance artists) with zeal and passion for social change, that defiant energy that refuses to be bridled by obstacles of existing norms. The mission of the Organization is to be part of Africa’s story, by Africans, through photography and inspiring artistic interventions; to establish a platform that encourages Trans-African relationships within the continent, and to contribute towards the socio-political discourse shaping Africa of the 21st Century.

During the last four editions of the Road Trip the group has explored African countries from the West to the East and Central Africa. The vast impressions led to reflections surrounding the complexness of borders. The road trip project is an attempt to draw a tangible line of connection across chosen geographic locations in order to transcend the limitations proposed by the existing demarcating lines.

In its 5th edition the Invisible Borders Trans-African Photographers Organization embarked on their first Trans-Continental Road Trip from Lagos (Nigeria) to Sarajevo (Bosnia) which leads them through 21 countries in Africa and Europe. The journey will last 151 days (22 weeks) from the 2nd of June until 31st of October 2014. During their stopovers the artists develop photographic, video and text works that deal with the notions of border and separation, while at the same time reflecting on their interactions with local artists, cultural operators and residents. The road trips are supplemented by exhibitions, workshops and events in which the works of the journey are presented and discussed.

To explore the politics of Berlin spaces they chose to work in the neighborhood of Marzahn to look at the stereotypes and realities that manifest themselves as a different kind of powerful borderlines. Furthermore they are planning to learn more about the vigorous struggle by refugee activists all over the city.