powderSTHE

Powdersthe, stylized as powderSTHE, is a contemporary art collective and performance group based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2017 by visual artists and activist Katharina Müller and sound engineer Lukas Becker. The collective’s name is a play on the phrase “powder the heat,” symbolizing the dispersal of knowledge through creative expression. Powdersthe operates at the intersection of visual art, performance, street culture, and ecological advocacy, seeking to raise public awareness about climate change and sustainable living.

The group’s signature projects include large-scale installations made from recycled materials, such as “Soot City,” a temporary sculpture constructed from 75,000 discarded cigarette filters that evokes urban pollution. Their multidisciplinary performances often incorporate live music, spoken word, and interactive digital media, encouraging audience participation to create tangible environmental solutions. In 2020, Powdersthe collaborated with the German environmental organization Greenpeace on the “Carbon Footprint” project, which combined augmented reality displays with real-time data on regional emissions.

Powdersthe’s work has been exhibited in several venues, including the Berlin Art Forum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and the London Biennale. Critics highlight the collective’s ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible visual narratives. The organization also offers workshops on upcycling and eco-friendly art practices, fostering community engagement in sustainability efforts. Despite primarily operating locally, Powdersthe has attracted international attention for its innovative melding of aesthetics and urgent ecological messaging.