prism

/ˈprɪz(ə)m/

noun: a glass or other transparent object in the form of a prism, especially one that is triangular with refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other and that separates white light into a spectrum of colours.

Every person has multiple layers to their identity: who they say they are, who they think they are, and who they will ultimately decide to be. This is especially true for people who have grown up physically or culturally different from those around them, and those who feel split between their ethnic heritage and their current environment.

As we grow and evolve, we absorb and reflect, rebel and accept, and eventually settle into the true shape of who we are meant to be.

This narrative series aims to spark communication and greater understanding of this shared human experience.

“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there.”

- Pascal Mercier

With today’s rapid increase in technology, artificial borders and economic shifts, thousands of families are asked to redefine the meaning of “home” in virtually every country around the world.

This collaborative project created by Schmoo Theune and Susann Tischendorf addresses the question of what shapes one's identity and how this perception is changing in a globalised world.

There are seven colours in visible light and there are two of us, so we will feature a total of 14 people, each with a heritage of migration. Using documentary photographs, interviews, ephemera, and archival pieces, these stories will illustrate their experiences growing up straddling borders and cultures and the emotional impact of ambiguity.

S & S

Sudiwiyono

The last soul who chooses to live high up in Merapi’s forest - one of the most dangerous places in Indonesia - because of her connection to the surrounding environment.

Lukas & Karsten

US-born German-Americans freshly transplanted into Berlin, striving to fit into regular Berlin life.

Barni

Young Indonesian who moved to the city in search of a better life and eventually returned to her home village, realising she had already had it.

Rumaisa

Born in Pakistan of Indian heritage, working her way to an independent life as a successful business woman with a Harvard degree.

Jarret

Canadian Indigenous LGBT striving to help his community thrive and fighting for recognition and equality.

Katrin

Toronto-based Iranian-Armenian treasuring her roots in Canada.

Ulkar

Fierce Azerbaijani who immigrated to Canada to follow her dream of being a full-time film critic.

Susann

Growing up in East Germany, the fall of the Berlin Wall and subsequent reunification left traces of change in her surrounding and within herself.

Ganesha

A second generation Sri Lankan circus performer whose grandfather starred in Germany’s human zoos.

Taym

A young Palestinian born into everyday German life.

Raman

Oxford neuroscientist with Indian heritage bridging the past and future through research and classical dance in Germany.

Schmoo

Born to Korean immigrants in the USA, fighting rigidity, tradition and expectations of the American Dream.

Carlo

Craving more than Lebanon could offer, finally finding his new heart and home in the USA.

Pascal

Half French, half Togolese, raised in the USA, creating in Berlin.