Photography Exhibition
SΦFI Studios Presents: Beyond the Lens
SΦFI Studios is proud to present "Beyond the Lens," a transformative photography exhibition that shatters boundaries and amplifies voices often unheard in the arts. This powerful showcase reflects our core mission of fostering inclusivity and providing a platform for creators from all walks of life.
The art and fashion industries have long been guarded by gatekeepers, creating a nepotistic cycle where only insiders are granted true visibility. At SΦFI Studios, we represent equality of opportunity, offering a space for outsiders to step into the spotlight.
Join us on a visual journey that transcends the conventional, as we celebrate the exceptional talents of:
Gaspard Buton: Renowned for his poignant storytelling through imagery, Buton's work champions the agency of his subjects, inviting viewers to understand their worlds from a compassionate perspective.
Sara Blakey: A visionary filmmaker and photographer whose diverse cultural tapestry weaves together Australian, Serbian, Swiss, and Italian influences, Blakey's lens captures the essence of this rich heritage.
Taro Kuijpers: A captivating visual artist with a profound emotional depth, Kuijpers' drawings, paintings, poetry, and photographs explore darker themes, making each piece a unique emotional journey.
One_Loud_image: With a commitment to candid and direct storytelling, One_Loud_image's black and white street photography from the streets of Tokyo offers an unfiltered glimpse into the heart of the city.
In addition to the exceptional talents featured in this exhibition, SΦFI Studios will also be showcasing a captivating collection of in-house photography.
Beyond the Lens promises to be a transformative experience, inviting you to witness the world through a kaleidoscope of lenses and perspectives.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event. Embrace the opportunity to expand your horizons, challenge your perceptions, and immerse yourself in the boundless creativity that lies Beyond the Lens.
Closing Event - Emotion by Association
Closing Night: Artistic Expressions Ignite the Stage
As the "Emotion by Association" exhibition comes to a close, SOFI Studios invites you to an electrifying closing night celebration.
Performing Artists
Headlining the event is Prince NMSS, a rising star in dancehall, R&B and hip-hop. With explosive lyrics and unmatched flows, Prince NMSS promises to captivate the crowd and lock them into the moment.
Also taking the stage is beatboxer Samir, whose interactive performance will mesmerize the audience with vocal rhythms and soundscapes.
Rounding out the lineup is multi-talented musician Luc, who will transport the crowd through immersive musical experiences, blending genres seamlessly.
Together, these artists will collaborate, amplifying the energy and excitement of the closing night celebration.
Don't miss this chance to experience the power of artistic expression as the "Emotion by Association" exhibition culminates in a vibrant, unforgettable event.
Emotion by Association
Emotion by Association: A SØFI Studios Art Exhibition
Curational rationale
Deeply feeling into emotion is difficult for most; as we have been taught by logical strategists to be the most (Western) successful versions of ourselves. We run, we fly and barely take a moment to feel into ourselves and our emotional needs. What game is playing underneath the rush of our everyday life? Do you really know what behavior stems from free will or what behavior comes from coping mechanisms of an overlooked emotional system?
We invite you for a journey of self exploration, through the eyes of artists that explore their emotional own development through artistic expression. It is a dialogue between their deeper senses and your ability to reflect as a response to it.
Self-exploration can take many forms. Within artistry, it means an exploration of oneself through an introspective lens. How can you learn from someone else’s journey? By nature of associating yourself to their emotional process; and reflecting as a pathway to dive into your own emotional realm; by letting go of control and surrendering to the emotional depth that art can lead you on.
We invite you to associate yourself with the artists’ varied forms of self-exploration and expansion, believing this sense of continuous growth and emotional resonance binds us together. SOFI stands for beauty and wisdom- and within this exhibition we aim to empower the wisdom of the emotional body through the lens of artists that are exemplary of undertaking this path.
Spotlight on the Artists:
The exhibition features a diverse range of artists, each with their own unique approach to self-exploration and emotional expression. From abstract paintings that evoke elusive feelings to fashion and textile designs that empower femininity and promote love, the works on display offer a multifaceted exploration of the human experience.
Anna Reymond
Anna is a Swiss photographer/ graphic designer based in Amsterdam. Through photographs, interviews and staging, she crosses identities and characters inspired by the fantastic genre to address narratives on our intimacy.
Maria De Cobo Leon
Maria De Cobo Leon is a brilliant young Spanish artist whose works are a heartfelt expressionist exploration of herself. Having completed her studies in psychology and neurochemistry, she has taken her artistic practice to new heights. Her relatable pieces, which delve into themes of self-discovery and introspection, have already gained recognition through exhibitions in the Netherlands and Madrid earlier this year.
Fernande Bloemen
Fernande Bloemen's multidisciplinary practice spans installations, performances, and large-scale drawings. As a Fine Arts and Sustainable Finance student, her work challenges notions of rationality and invites viewers to engage in self-reflection. Bloemen creates immersive environments that transport viewers to a vulnerable, in-between world where texture and image converge. Her organic, ink-based drawings on rice paper allow nature to guide the creative process, resulting in thought-provoking pieces that question our relationship with the natural world.
Saeed Zamzam
Syrian artist and interior designer Saeed Zamzam has a passion for conveying meaningful messages through his art. After completing his studies at the University of Aleppo and teaching art history at Yarmouk University, he has focused on using art as a means to explore societal issues and provide therapy through line, color, and visual representation. His interdisciplinary approach, spanning various mediums, aims to solve psychological problems and communicate without words, reflecting his belief that images can convey meaning more powerfully than language.
Suzan Beynon
Suzan Beynon is a textile artist from Amsterdam whose embroidered works of art are inspired by diverse artistic genres, including nature, art, interior design, and photography. With a lifelong interest in design and creativity, Beynon transitioned to full-time artistic practice in 2023 after a career in the magazine and book profession. Her unique, handmade pieces are created without a pre-set plan, allowing the creative process to unfold organically. Each work is meticulously embroidered and professionally framed, offering viewers the opportunity to experience her captivating, one-of-a-kind pieces from multiple perspectives.
Yael Wassen
Yael Wassen, a visual artist based in Amsterdam, discovered a new means of communication through painting, using colors and shapes to create space for elusive feelings and thoughts without definitive explanations. With a background in political philosophy, her abstract and simple artworks carry specific meanings while inviting viewers to interpret them in their own way. Wassen experiments with various mediums, including acrylic paintings, large fabrics combined with oil pastels, and immersive installations, aiming to transform sensitivity and vulnerability into strengths that the world needs more of.
Lili Jullian
Lili Jullian is a fashion and teddy designer based in Rotterdam whose creations are filled with witchy, seductive energies. After living and working in various European cities and Indonesia, she returned to the Netherlands to create genderless garments and queer teddies that empower femininity, promote love and equal rights, and encourage conscious living. Jullian's modular clothing line fits a range of sizes, accommodating body shape changes, while her teddies are made from the waste created by her garment collection, making both brands a zero-waste company.
Short Film Screenings: Through the Lense of Desire
Short Film Screenings: Through the Lense of Desire
Explore different manifestations of desire with three short films that delve into its diverse conceptions. Throughout history, desire has been understood as a root cause of suffering as well as a force that allows people to understand various ideas of higher truths. Today, desire is seen as both an inherent aspect of our uncertainty about the future as well as a dynamic interplay between power, individual subjectivities and cultural identities. From a deep longing and reunion in a time of adversity, a fight against one’s own morals for the mere allure of an idea and its possibilities, to desire that is challenged and crushed by bizarre occurrences - this screening will invite you to contemplate your own relationship to desire through a variety of cultural perspectives.
This short film screening event showcases the works of talented filmmakers from France, Lithuania and Japan, offering a vibrant exploration of different cultures, perspectives, and storytelling techniques. The work of these filmmakers has been shown at a number of international film festivals and pushes boundaries on what it means to do narrative cinema through their use of symbolic cinematic language.
the Films
The Eel (2023) ‘35 min
Matas returns to his neighborhood in Vilnius, Lithuania after fleeing the war in Ukraine. He finds his wife and the friends he left behind when he joined the conflict.
The Directors
Rostislav Kirpicenko is a 26 year old film director who was born in Lithuania, but grew up in Ukraine. When he was 17 years old, he moved to Czech Republic to follow his career as a football player. After some years in Prague and Germany, he stopped football and moved to Paris. In 2019, he entered La Fémis to study film directing.
Sacha is a 27 year old film director from Paris. When he was 18, he entered Les Beaux-Arts de Paris. As a visual artist, he developed installations in which he gradually included actors. After a year spent in Santiago de Chile, he was admitted to La Femis for the film direction department in 2019.
“On February 24, 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine reminded us that war is not just a memory. As filmmakers and friends, one who grew up in Ukraine and the other from a hidden Jewish family, we were struck by this reminder. We had long discussions about the meaning of art, guilt and tenderness. We didn't want to make a war film, but rather to depict what war does to our humanity. To tell the story of Matas, we shot in Lithuania, a country threatened many times by Russia.”
Naiku (2023) ‘20min
Adomas encounters a group of eccentric hooligans tearing through streets in a car. Drawn into a violent tournament with an unusual trophy at stake, Adomas finds his morals shifting.
Pijus Mačiulskis is an independent film director from Lithuania who has been creating since 2015. He has graduated Film Studies at King's College London, where he had been learning about the theoretical, social, and philosophical evolution of cinema and creating electronic music.
Pijus Mačiulskis (pictured left)
“I am intrigued by games.They restrict our acts but also seem to free us in our joy and sometimes cruelty. I love films that appear uniquely different to everyone but also remain close and personal to all. This is possible because a film can show without telling. Such stories intrigue me because they are like games: they set us within stable rules which embrace and expose how differently we understand the world. Naiku is a set of rules too.”
“Naiku” is a story about desires that hadn’t become goals just yet and are destroying themselves. It is also a tale about a mysterious and competitive game that was partially inspired by a memory from Pijus’ life - “I used to play basketball in a very competitive environment. During one winter, we were at a championship in a small town on the very edge of Lithuania at a half-star hostel, where there was a pool table without any cues, only the balls. 13-year old kids who wanted to be kings of the herd were left alone and created the most savage, finger-bloody games they could.”
The Head of the Factory (2023) ‘20 min
A professional photographer walks into a factory and is welcomed by a factory head with a big creepy smile. And bizarre things start to happen.
Yugo Suzuki is a Japanese film director currently living in Tokyo. He moved to Thailand when he was young and afterwards, moved to Canada to study filmmaking. His films were screened at multiple film festivals both inside and outside of Japan.
Yugo Suzuki (pictured right)
“My definition of art is to put a frame on something, whether it's a thing or a thought. Through the viewer's eyes, the spotted thing is interpreted in many ways. I believe films can be art. Hope this film can do that for you."
Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the world through the unique perspectives of these international filmmakers. Immerse yourself in the art of storytelling, where film and photography meet to create something truly extraordinary.
We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of cultural exploration and artistic innovation at Huis Van Iemand Anders.
RAW: Exploring the Underground Runway produced by SØFI Studios
RAW: Exploring the Underground Runway
Immerse yourself in an evening where fashion transcends boundaries, presenting a runway show by SOFI Studios. This exclusive event at Huis van Iemand Anders showcases the revolutionary work of six designers who are redefining the norms of fashion with their unique visions and artistic flair.
Featuring Designs By:
Akin James
From the vibrant culture of Curaçao to the creative heart of the Netherlands, Akin James brings his brand, 'All Talk No Walk,' a tribute to subcultures and the esoteric. His designs, deeply rooted in deconstructivism, transform preloved clothing into armor for the unique and the bold. Experience fashion as a statement of identity and a celebration of the so-called weirdos or outcasts.
Paula Gómez Mur
Embracing her Spanish heritage, Paula Gómez Mur explores the delicate balance between tradition and femininity through her designs. Her creations, a narrative of her internal conflicts with the feminine ideal, merge hyper-feminine elements with traditional motifs, offering a fresh perspective on women's fashion.
Mikołaj Szwaja
A student at Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Mikołaj Szwaja's designs (pictured) blur the lines between femininity and masculinity, challenging traditional forms and symmetry. His fascination with the warrior's soul and a recent foray into the high-tempo, sharp sounds of music as a DJ add depth to his fashion narrative.
Lili Jullian
Lili Jullian's witchy, seductive designs promise an enchantment of love and empowerment. With a focus on genderless and modular fashion, her creations cater to a wide range of sizes, advocating for love, equality, and zero waste. Her unique line of queer teddy bears, crafted from garment waste, embodies her vision of playful positivity and conscious living.
Elle Rusu
Elle Rusu, a designer in training at Gerrit Rietveld Academie, is pioneering unconventional silhouettes and volumes. Her commitment to sustainability shines through her use of repurposed textiles and deadstock materials, creating one-off items that challenge everyday garment norms.
Lara Renner
A multifaceted artist and globally recognized DJ, Lara Renner blends intense basslines with avant-garde soundscapes, offering a glimpse into her vision of merging sound with three-dimensional artwork. Her passion for textile, sculpture, and painting critiques normative structures, promising a future where music and art converge.
Join Us
For an unforgettable night of fashion, art, and music, join us at Huis van Iemand Anders. Discover the cutting-edge of underground fashion, witness the future of design, and celebrate the creative spirit that drives us all.
We look forward to unveiling a world where fashion knows no bounds.
SMÖLLPÆP X SØFI: De Kluts EP Release
SMÖLLPÆP EP Release Party with SØFI Studios at Huis Van Iemand Anders
We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated first public listening of SMÖLLPÆP's latest EP. This event marks a significant milestone for SMÖLLPÆP, showcasing their unique sound and artistic vision to the world.
Exclusive First Listening
Be among the first to experience SMÖLLPÆP's latest EP in its entirety. The evening will feature a complete playthrough of the EP, offering an immersive listening experience that showcases the duo's evolution and the depth of their musical exploration.
In Collaboration with SOFI Studios
This event is made possible through our collaboration with SOFI Studios, known for their commitment to highlighting emerging talents and providing a platform for artists to shine. Together, we're dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative sounds to the forefront of the music scene.
About SMÖLLPÆP
SMÖLLPÆP is where the rhythmic groove of electronic music meets the raw energy of live instrumentation, crafting a sound reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers spinning a discoband. Their live shows are a journey into a musical fairytale filled with sincere lunacy, inviting the audience to explore hidden emotions through lyrics that encourage letting go and embracing the therapeutic power of dance. Music, for them, is an escape from the mundane, a remedy woven into the fabric of their existence, where hips move freely, and tears are a symbol of liberation.
The duo, Quintijn and Rogier, have shared a musical bond since the tender age of eleven, journeying through various bands before life's twists led them on separate paths. Reunited amidst the solitude of the pandemic, they found solace and understanding in music, diving into the depths of their creativity to explore sounds and techniques as unconventional as the times. Since hitting the live scene in 2022, they've attracted a growing tribe of magnificent fools, united in the joy of jumping and healing through rhythm.
In essence, Quintijn and Rogier might just be two souls who found in each other the perfect partner in musical mischief, making SMÖLLPÆP not just a band, but a movement towards finding joy and connection in the absurdity of life.
Be ready to be part of a musical revolution. See you there!
Rhythms of Tomorrow: SØFI x Huis Van Iemand Anders
Rhythms of Tomorrow: SØFI x Huis Van Iemand Anders
A Night of Intimate Live Performances
Dive into the heart of the music scene with SOFI Studios, in an exclusive collaboration with Huis Van Iemand Anders. We're setting the stage for an extraordinary evening dedicated to the vibrant beats and soulful melodies of emerging young talent. Join us for a journey through soundscapes where experimental instrumental hip-hop, soul, and R&B, meet live in the intimate setting of our beloved venue.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Our event shines a light on the brightest up-and-comers in the music world, featuring:
Felix: Kickstarting our night with his mesmerizing instrumental hip hop, he sets the tone with his innovative beats and captivating rhythms. His performance promises to be an immersive experience, blending the lines between genres and inviting you into his unique musical vision.
Tezi
Taking the stage as our second act, Tezi will envelop you in his soulful embrace. With a voice that resonates deep within and melodies that linger long after the night ends, Tezi's performance is a deep dive into the heart of soul music, reimagined with a modern twist.
Art Meets Music
In a special fusion of creativity, one of our acts will be accompanied by an affordable art showcase featuring Saeed Zamzam, Yonah de Beer and Yael Wassen. This unique blend of visual and auditory artistry offers a holistic experience, celebrating the talents of our musicians and artists alike. Discover stunning pieces that capture the essence of the music, available for you to take home and cherish.
Join Us for An Unforgettable Evening
This is more than just a concert; it's a celebration of the new, the unheard, and the unforgettable. SOFI Studios and Huis Van Iemand Anders are proud to offer a platform for these incredible artists to shine. From the opening beats by Felix to the soul-stirring melodies of Tez, accompanied by the visual feast of affordable art, this event is a testament to the power of young talent.
SOFI X W Hotel
The exhibition showcased a powerful convergence of traditional fine art, photography, poetry, music, dance, and stunning up-cycled fashion, all thoughtfully curated to provoke thought and evoke emotions. Exceptional artists from diverse backgrounds, including Syria, the Netherlands, Iran, France, and Spain, had presented a rich tapestry of perspectives.
Themes like freedom, oppression, counterculture, emotional processing, and mankind's relationship with nature were woven through their works. Employing abstract expressionism, technical expressionism, symbolic minimalism, and digital art, these artists explored the multifaceted aspects of modern reality.
Visitors joined an inspiring journey into the world of contemporary art that challenged norms, sparked conversations, and celebrated the power of artistic expression. This artistic experience at W Hotel Amsterdam immersed attendees in the transformative narratives of the past.
SOFI x SISSI'S
Music. Dance. Video. Art. Memories.
Hosted @ SISSI’s
On the evening of September 14th, Sissi's transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, hosting an immersive experience that celebrated creativity in all its forms
The event began with a series of live performances that captivated the audience. Musicians and dancers took to the stage, weaving a tapestry of melody and motion that stirred the soul. Each performance was a unique display of artistic talent, showcasing the depth and diversity of creative expression.
As the night progressed, attendees were treated to a series of short film screenings by Gero. These films transcended borders and pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling, challenging viewers to think and feel beyond their everyday experiences. The films sparked rich discussions among the audience, creating a space for reflection and connection.
One of the most impactful aspects of the evening was the opportunity for guests to interact directly with the artists. These conversations were more than just exchanges of pleasantries; they were deep, meaningful connections that offered insights into the creative process. Guests learned about what inspired these artists, heard about their personal journeys, and shared their own responses to the artwork.
The event at Sissi's was more than just a showcase of artistic talent; it was a catalyst for connection and inspiration. As the night drew to a close, guests left with a renewed appreciation for the arts and a sense of community. Many expressed a newfound inspiration for their own creative pursuits, having been touched by the transcendent power of art in its many vibrant forms.
Tune in turn on find art
We hosted a pioneering interdisciplinary art event from the 21st of July until the 7th of August, with our collection launch where we set art back onto the map and challenged perceptions around its accessibility and significance. Next to the traditional art works, our event featured bespoke, hand-painted, professionally upcycled pieces that embodied this ethos, reflecting our commitment to both creativity and conscious consumption. Our event was more than a simple exhibition; it was a beacon of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. The artists’ stories were shared through an array of media, including film and talks, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering a deeper connection between art and its audiences. We were not just creating art; we fashioned a movement, one that emphasised sustainability, empowered artists and brought back the attention to the important transformative power of art.
Tune In Turn On Find Art
We were not just creating art; we fashioned a movement.