COMBINATION.SPACE
was launched by Simon Berz in December 2022.
With this space, we are aiming to build a network to generate transdisciplinary encounters, knowledge exchange, development of creative behaviours, intercultural encounters as well as innovation and exchanging information on art, science and technology. Intercultural answers are sought to question the threat of climate change, issues on digitalization and the associated dehumanisation in today’s world.
WHO ARE WE ?
SIMON BERZ
Simon Berz is an innovative drummer, sound artist, and composer who explores experimental and improvised music. His work extends to sound art, new forms of performance, and collaborations with visual arts, dance, and film. Berz's artistic endeavors are marked by his fascination with sound exploration, instrument building, and the creation of sonic installations. He engages with various materials, such as stones and liquid, to produce captivating and unconventional sounds. Berz's performances are characterized by their energy, unpredictability, and the invitation for audience participation. He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and musicians, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity and creating unique artistic experiences. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Berz has also established the BADABUM Atelier music school, where he nurtures young talent and facilitates inclusive music education. With an extensive touring history and a diverse repertoire of collaborations, Simon Berz's work transcends boundaries and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
ANDI HOFMANN
Andi Hofmann is a cultural player and freelance filmmaker and video artist. In 2011 he got involved together with other activists for the preservation of the Kino Royal in Baden. The Royal is one of the oldest cinemas in Switzerland. The cultural-political movement gave rise to the interim use of the cinema in the form of a cultural enterprise, which is still considered one of the most important alternative cultural venues in Switzerland today.
At the same time he initiated together with «OX. Kultur» another cultural venue in Zofingen, which is called OXIL. The house is run as a cultural enterprise and community and generation center with a focus on diversity and inclusion. OXIL was opened in 2015 and is considered an important youth culture center in Aargau. Andi Hofmann is active as operations manager at OXIL and is involved in various youth and socio-cultural networking groups.
He also founded a small offspace club in Baden called “Werkstatt” with like-minded people. There, boundaries of music and art are sought and distancing from commercial culture is very important. In 2021 he initiated an autonomous art space in the roof of the OXIL. Art and leisure creators can develop freely here. Everyone can take part. Integration and diversity are important core values.
In the film sector, Andi Hofmann works with the «Die Mühle» collective as an «alternative service provider». He works in various functions (director, camera, editor) in the film. Music and art videos for well-known artists in Switzerland have gained attention in recent years. He regularly performs in museums and cultural institutions with the audiovisual band Supercollider. Supercollider plays audio-visual sessions and invites exciting musicians to join them.
Andi Hofmann also teaches part-time at public primary schools.