f. Migration

Starting with 2014, while using an array of different techniques, the artist created a series of works around the topic of migration : Chinese ink applied by means of stamps on paper, washed drawing, charcoal sketches, videos.

After having worked extensively on the Shoah, historic drama that affected directly the artist, she decided to focus on problems raised by the recent flux of migration, a  story which again marked the artist since she were 15 years of age.



1. EXPELLED

This is a series of 10 portraits created in Chinese ink (18/25 cm) on “pressed paper” support. They have been realised with the help of border controls’ “ EXPELLED” stamps assembled in complex structures in order to give life to human portraits.
When one’s request for refugee’s status is rejected by the administration, the migrant is immediately expelled. The rejected refuge seeker feels as if the stamp “EXPELLED” was burned deep into his skin. He is no longer a human being, but just an “EXPELLED”.

2. LOST IDENTITY

This is a series of 3 washed drawings, each constructed out of 8 identity photos. The drawings reflect the situation of the “paperless” migrants, who by missing their identity papers also cease to exist as people, they must become invisible and they are “humanly erased”.

3.THE ROADS

This series of drawings show the long and perilous wanderings of migrants, who see themselves being refused the entrance in countless developed countries. In front of of the refused asylum seeker, high walls of barbed wire are erected and their trips too often end at the point of departure.

The 4 drawings of big dimensions (2x60/75 cm and 2x 86/120) have been accomplished by dispersing charcoal powder along lengthy roads, limited on both sides by coercitive barbed wire.

4. THE EXILE

This video shows the slowly advancing suitcases of migrants,  a symbol of their exhaustive and lengthy roads towards a promised land of liberty and welfare.
The viewer can even have a glimpse inside the suitcases, to see their modest content.

What does a migrant take with him when leaving the country of origin, often without possible return?

This video was produced after the artist had real encounters and interviews with migrants with regard to their conditions of departure and the content of their bags.