German artist inspired by homeless for controversial collection

While the latest designer fashion clobber or edgy new art installations filling up catwalks and galleries might give nods to modern culture, they probably won't have a particularly huge impact on society in general.

But with his latest collection, German artist Winfried Baumann aims to make a bold statement about homelessness by blending art, architecture, fashion design and social activism.

His 'Dumpster Diver' suits (pictured right) are part of his Urban Nomads project. "It's all in light of the fact that the urban nomad, the hunter-gatherer, is back on the city streets," he says.

Images from Winfried Baumann's Urban Nomads collection.

"Over the last 10 or 12 years, nomadism experienced a renaissance. So the purpose of my work became not only the "classic" homeless person who's been thrown off course in life, but also seasonal workers, students and "work nomads" who can be constantly moving around with no more than a laptop and a small travel bag. This also means a loss of social structure."

Baumann's collection includes a range of "Instant Housing" models (pictured right) that see wheelie bins and large suitcases transform into mobile shelters. The Nuremberg-based artist has also worked with German street paper Strassenkreuzer to design mobile trolleys for vendors to store copies of the magazine.

While his work has received some criticism, Baumann says the response from homeless people has generally been positive. "The question comes up time and time again as to whether we're creating art at the expense of the homeless - but always from people unaffected by homelessness," he says.

"I've never experienced this reaction from homeless people. They definitely understand the hidden humour in the work."

Bauman's work certainly promotes debate.While his designs are a far cry from practical solutions to homelessness (similar to the 'coffin slumber box' for the homeless that recently appeared in Belfast city centre as a 'social experiment'), they do draw attention to the fact that finding permanent and lasting solutions to homelessness is a global need that is always in vogue.

This blog is based on article by Florian Blumer from Swiss street paper Surprise originally published on INSP's News Service. The original article is also available for street paper editors to download and republish in English and German.

Our vendors: Beiene Berhane - Surprise, Switzerland

“It was only after coming here that I learnt the true meaning of neighbourly love,” says Beiene Berhane, who, at 75 years old, is the oldest of the Surprise street paper vendors in Zurich, Switzerland.

Beiene is also the first African to sell Surprise. A political refugee from Eritrea, he ended up homeless after fleeing his country but has found a new purpose, and family, selling street papers.

Beiene Berhane sells Surprise in Zurich.

“I come from Eritrea, and only poor people work on the streets there so it is not seen as a good thing,” he explains.

“But then I saw how hard the Swiss work, in whatever job they have, and that motivated me. Today I am very proud that I can sell Surprise.”

Even though his German is limited, Beiene has been able to form relationships with his regular customers, including one woman who has bought Surprise from him for the last ten years.

“I always try and chat to people, although I only speak a little German," says the vendor.

"Somehow, you always understand each other, even if sometimes you have to speak with your hands. A lot of people here also speak Italian. Eritrea was an Italian colony, so I can speak the language.

“In the evening when I have finished selling, I enjoy watching RSI, a Swiss TV channel in Italian. This means I can learn more about where I now live.”

Born in 1939,  Beiene experienced many political upheavals while living in Eritrea, including a 30-year war with neighbouring country Ethiopia.

“I cannot speak about the precise circumstances of my escape from Eritrea; I have painful memories of it,” he says.

“I have hardly any contact with my family any more. I am the second youngest of ten children; many of my siblings are dead. I have six children myself, but I only speak to one son now and then.”

But for Beiene, his new Swiss friends have become his second family.

“They celebrate my birthday with me, look after me when I am unwell, and when I had nowhere to live they took me in,” he says with a smile.

“The Swiss are so friendly. I am often given a coffee or a sandwich - by someone I don't know! That would never happen at home.

“Nevertheless, home is like your mother, you can never forget her. I hope that the situation in Eritrea will calm down and that the people there will take Switzerland as an example.”

Did you know INSP works with over 120 street papers around the world? You can help celebrate thousands of vendors, like Beiene, by signing up to our Thunderclap social media campaign during #VendorWeek 2015.