The ‘Stories of Migration’ exhibition at SOAS University showcases animated stories of migrants, focusing on their personal experiences. Alongside PositiveNegatives, the exhibition challenges dominant narratives about migration by highlighting voices from the Global South. Notable works include stories from Iraq, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Haiti. The exhibition runs until 22 March at SOAS Gallery, free of charge.
The ‘Stories of Migration’ exhibition at SOAS University of London highlights the challenges and journeys of migrants through animation and comics. It features stories from diverse countries and celebrates PositiveNegatives, a non-profit that focuses on transforming academic research into visual narratives. The central animation depicts migration through the eyes of individuals in the Global South, aiming to challenge prevalent narratives created in the Global North.
The exhibition marks 12 years of PositiveNegatives, co-founded by Dr Benjamin Worku-Dix, who draws on his experiences as a photojournalist. He believes that comics and animations can articulate emotions and narratives that traditional statistics fail to capture. Featured animations such as ‘Life on the Move’ tell impactful stories, exemplifying authentic migration experiences through artistic collaboration.
Among the notable animations is ‘Into Our Own Hands’, which follows a displaced Iraqi woman named Nora, showcasing her resilience through education and community in Kirkuk. Created by Asia Alfasi, the piece fosters empathy through shared experiences of war and displacement. Similar stories like ‘Dear Habib’ depict the struggles of a young Afghan boy navigating life as an unaccompanied migrant in the UK.
‘Tita Nurse’ illustrates a Filipina migrant’s sacrifices for her family, while ‘Unstoppable Beat’ tells of a Haitian man fighting for survival and rights in Brazil amidst family separation. The ‘Stories of Migration’ exhibition runs until 22 March at SOAS Gallery and is free to enter, bringing to light the personal narratives behind the statistics of migration.
The exhibition addresses the often overlooked narratives of migrants from the Global South, focusing on personal stories that reflect the real experiences of individuals facing displacement, rather than the broader political narratives typically seen in the media. It serves as both an artistic platform and an educational tool to raise awareness about migration issues through creative storytelling.
The ‘Stories of Migration’ exhibition effectively conveys the complexities of migration through various animated stories that highlight individual experiences. By showcasing works from talented artists and emerging narratives, it brings much-needed attention to the human aspect of migration, encouraging viewers to engage with these critical global issues. The exhibition runs until 22 March at SOAS Gallery, offering free entry to the public.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com