Can you introduce yourself to the DGTL audience and provide insight into your artistic journey and the themes you explore in your work?

My name is Sioe Jeng Tsao, also known as SEEYOUSIOE, and I'm a queer artist and activist of Chinese origin, born in Amsterdam.

Your work explores various social themes such as LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health, feminism, sustainability, racial justice, and gender equality. Can you explain why these topics are important to you and how you believe art can contribute to these discussions?

These social themes are deeply important to me because they reflect my own experiences and the challenges I've encountered. By creating art around these topics, I can share my perspectives and contribute to greater awareness.

How does art serve as a catalyst for encouraging contemplation and discussion about important social issues?

Art has a unique power to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and inspire action. By addressing these issues through my artwork, I strive for empathy, understanding and positive change in society. I believe that art serves as a catalyst for important discussions and can ultimately lead to a more inclusive and just world.

Your creation for the container arch, entitled EMPOWER, encourages reflection, encouragement, and the celebration of love. What inspired you to address these specific themes in your artwork?

The inspiration behind my artwork 'EMPOWER' comes from seeing Amsterdam's changing landscape, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. From once being a haven, I've seen a shift where many within our community are marginalized and unheard. “EMPOWER” serves as a response to this transformation and strives for reflection, encouragement and the celebration of love. It symbolises a call to action for unity and solidarity within the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing that we are stronger together. The container arch acts as a gateway to a space of strength, acceptance, and support, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can find comfort and empowerment.

How do you believe that festivals play a role in promoting dialogue and awareness about these critical social issues?

Festivals serve as powerful platforms for promoting dialogue and raising awareness about critical social issues. They can bring diverse audiences together and provide immersive experiences through art, music, and performance, encouraging the reflection and dialogue we need. By collaborating with local activists, artists, and organizations, festivals can increase their impact by connecting participants with more resources for further engagement. I believe that festivals, like art, can serve as catalysts for starting conversations and promoting positive social change.

And what does it mean for you to show this piece in the context of NDSM's public space, outside the specific festival audience?

Exhibiting this artwork in a public space increases its impact beyond the festival audience, making it a symbol of empowerment and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. It will be a statement of inclusion and acceptance, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect with the message of solidarity and love. “EMPOWER” increases its ability to initiate conversations, challenge perceptions, and inspire positive social change on a wider scale.

Can you provide insights into your creative process? How do you generate ideas and how does the environment or placement of your art influence your work?

My creative process is deeply rooted in my own reality as a queer woman of color. I draw inspiration from my personal experiences, navigating through different social contexts and identities. In addition, I actively seek diverse perspectives by reading books, attending events, workshops and panels from different backgrounds. This exposure allows me to broaden my understanding and empathize with a range of experiences that people navigate.

What emotions or reactions do you hope to evoke from viewers when they experience EMPOWER?

When experiencing “EMPOWER,” I strive for viewers to not only experience a sense of solidarity and strength within the LGBTQIA+ community, but also pause and recognize that queer love doesn't always come naturally. By framing “EMPOWER” as a verb, I want to emphasize the active process of empowering and celebrating love. I hope the artwork evokes feelings of encouragement, hope, and reflection, inspiring viewers to consider the significance of inclusivity and empathy in advocating for social change.