Association for Studies Societies in Transition incorporates Dadaism
The ASST and popoupdada redefine the concept of double-bind and creative imperative. Popupdada is a nonprofit institution part of ASST. It is based in Sarajevo, Zurich and New York. Its focus is on symmetric relations between art, architecture, design and science. Artists, scientists and others are invited to join us in this exciting transformative experience.
By Jesenko
ASST
One of the most challenging issues for societies and individuals in transition is: how-to-exit liminality? Societies, individuals or groups stuck in-between (liminality), on the edges (marginality), or beneath (inferiority) are examples of liminal states. The unfortunate acceptance of liminality as normality is the root-cause of various and novel social pathologies. ASST explores those.
Liminality can be defined as a tortured compromise with an inconvenient reality. Such a reality comes with a price. One is in a state of permanent social (dis)structure and (dis)order. For instance, post-conflict regions, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine, Lebanon, but also some parts of the modern-democratic world can all be diagnosed as liminal. Yet not all of them have the means to utilize liminality towards its benefit.
Popupdada expresses the symmetry of broken social structures. It explores liminality to facilitate peace-building and healing thus exiting the very liminality. We invite you to participate.
By Jesenko
Thinking out of the box: ASST and its Arts for Peace project explores the impact of the arts – live art, street art, music, dance, film, theater, graffiti on peace in rebuilding society. Its objective is a micro-course: study and enrich public discourse and highlight civic responsibility. Behind every conflict lie human lives and stories. ASST micro-course utilises the critical role of design and creativity on post-conflict environments.