AN EXPLORATION OF THE GLOBAL REFUGEE CRISIS
Today the refugee crisis has snowballed into a global concern. While much has been written about their plight, it is photos of the squalid and perilous conditions and life they experience that tug on our heartstrings. People interested in getting a better perspective of the refugee issue should not miss “Exodus Déjà-Vu”, a non-profit touring photography exhibition focusing on the refugee plight, held in Bangkok from Feb 6-18 at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). The event will include talks, debates, workshops and more. The event will be put together by Visioncy, an agency known for its art expertise, and supported by the UNHCR, the Embassy of France in Thailand, BACC and Asylum Access Thailand. Expect an interactive event with powerful images that bare witness to the grim realities of living as a refugee. As this is one of the fastest growing human crisis in the world, the organisers’ goal is to create a better understanding of refugees and displaced people among people of all walks of life. Among the many countries highlighted is Syria. Following six years of relentless war, the exhibition takes stock of the heart-wrenching situation facing its people. The facts are horrendous and troubling: civilians continue to be killed, injured and displaced at a terrifying rate. It is reported that there are 6.3 million displaced within the country itself and 5.3 million refugees scattered across the globe. The tragedy unfolding within Syria is reminiscent of other refugee crises; Cambodia in the 1970s and more recently the current Rohingya situation in Myanmar. Showcased at the event will be the works of seven photojournalists and photographers from various countries, including Thailand, who have closely monitored and captured the precarious journey of refugees throughout the ages. Bringing their masterpieces and knowledge of refugee events are Coşkun Aral, Suthep Kritsanavarin, Issa Touma, Roland Neveu, Sergey Ponomarev, Rahman Roslan and Greg Constantine. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, so come with an open mind to learn from their poignant stories so we can better empathise with what refugees have experienced; even lend a helping hand by donating money, clothes and food items if opportunities arise.