This work represents cycle of 5 banners 80x120cm. The master’s diploma was performed in Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts at the Faculty of Graphics under the supervision of Dr. Marcin Władyka.
In my work I focus on immigration and refugee crisis which is taking place today in the European Union. The subject of the work are the simpliest English words. Each of them symbolizes a part of difficult fate which immigrants struggle to overcome. At the same time Europeans look at new-commers with indifference.
Each of these words communicate specific message, but together they form a dramatic series about the refugee crisis, locked in the black-and-white buckle without happy end.
FEAR appears on both sides: immigrants and citizens of the European Union. The fear is a main part of Xenophobia, but at the same time, fear forces people to leave their home countries because they are afraid to lose their lives. I used toys to show that the fear is harmless. On the other hand it symbolizes lost childhood and parents fear for the lives of their children.
COME is derived from WELCOME – “come over” – if you will be able to.
HOME symbolizes comfort and coziness, it was confronted with tents – refugee camps – that become “home” for immigrants for a long time.
WEST is a symbol of Western civilization, the hope for a bright future, which often leads to a tragic end. WEST is also a derivative of Life Vest.
EXIT means leaving an initial tragedy and at the same time the transition into a state of desperation and another no-win situation; it also means suggestion to leave, being uninvited guest.
Used words and symbols represent the lowest part of the Maslow’s pyramid: these are physiological and security needs, this is the minimum what refugees need, not to mention the need of self-realization, respect and recognition.
By this project I wanted to draw attention to this dramatic situation and to pull viewers out from indifference and comfort zone in which they remain.
