Street Cultures: Cypherholic Photographer Presents Work In Goa
18 January 2012
Swiss photographer showcases photography exhibition in Goa that documents the impact of street culture as a tool to break down social and cultural barriers in India, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
Joel Sames has been following and documenting street culture around the globe for the last couple of years. His photographs provide an insight into the pockets of youth that participate in skateboarding, breakdance and hip-hop in Afghanistan, India and Cambodia. Joel especially focuses on programs and organisations that use the empowering qualities of these subcultures in development, cooperation and peace work.
A recent graduate at the Academy of Arts and Design in Basel, his thesis explored and analysed the possibility of using street culture as a tool in conflict transformation and to empower kids from underprivileged backgrounds. Most recently while in India he took shots at Cypherholic, part of a regular Bboy event that is supported by the Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhaven - photos can be seen in our gallery here.
"Street cultures such as skateboarding, breakdancing and street art have the fascinating potential to bring people of different backgrounds together, bridging the gap between their social and cultural differences and thus creating an opportunity for exchange and cooperation. They are no longer only part of western culture, but have become global phenomena that are growing especially quickly within Asia." - Joel Sames
Sames currently supports and represents several NGOs which are already using street cultures as a support tool:
Skateistan
The skateboarding school Skateistan is an Afghan NGO based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Whilst offering the only sport in Afghanistan where girls can participate in an urban space, Skateistan also presents alternative education programs ranging from IT, to health issues and the arts.
Tiny Toones
The hip-hop centre Tiny Toones is an independent NGO in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. All elements of hip-hop are taught at Tiny Toones as well as educational modules that include English, Khmer, health and prevention programs.
Tiny Drops
The Tiny Drops hip-hop centre project with NGO status was founded by Indian Bboy Netarpal Singh Bandesha, also known as Hera, who was deported to India shortly after 9/11. Inspired by positive experiences made in community centres in Queens, Hera has since worked as a volunteer streetworker and designed creative programs with focus on dance. In 2010, he developed the idea of a hip-hop school for disadvantaged youth in the slums of Mumbai and Delhi.
Salon Culturel
A platform for the exchange of ideas, meeting of cultures and art forms in an easy going, cosy atmosphere provided at the Goan terrace restaurant. Artists, poets, musicians, writers, activists, social workers, progressive thinkers and speakers are invited to share their thoughts, skills and ideas.