Senegal: The Return

Senegal: The Return is a chapter of work produced in February 2018 whilst accompanying one of my long term collaborators on his first return home in 9 years. The trip served as a unique and important opportunity to expand the scope of the I Peri N’Tera archive, by creating a connection with some of the families of the boys I was working with in Sicily, and so develop a deeper understanding of their reasons for migrating to Europe.

The work opens new streams of conversation between my collaborators and the locations that hold personal significance to them by exploring the ways in which photography can redefine borders and challenge notions of memory and belonging. In turn, the work also offers a consideration for the socio-economic, demographic and environmental facets of the communities that have been left behind and contemplates the incredible strain that is placed on the shoulders of the young boys that have made it to Europe, and the often unrealistic pressure they face to provide for those left behind.

Running through this series are images that reflect upon the countries historical connection to slavery and colonialism that enables metaphorical comparisons to be drawn between the realities faced by African men, women and children that are being trafficked through Libya and across the Mediterranean Sea today.

More coming soon…