Annual arts festival, Journeys Festival International Leicester, is back this month with a varied programme of work created by artists from the refugee and asylum seeker community that explores the diversity of refugee experiences through artistic and creative encounters.
Produced by local cultural development charity Artreach, the festival returns for its seventh year from 15th – 30th August with a programme packed full of an inspiring mix of live music, street theatre, interactive installations, films, talks and workshops.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is a powerful exhibition from UK photographer Giles Duley, I Can Only Tell You What My Eyes See. The heart of this exhibition is a series of a hundred images documenting the refugee crisis for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). From the horror of boats arriving in Lesvos, to stark Portraits of people stood against white backgrounds, Duley tells the stories of refugees with the empathy his work is noted for.
“My hope is to reflect the hospitality I have received from refugees whilst making the work in this exhibition, and to create an environment that facilitates conversation and understanding,” comments Duley.
In the section dedicated to the families Duley has been documenting for years, we see the true face of this crisis. But this exhibition is also a celebration of life, of culture, and the human spirit. It is not a place that wants to create pity, rather a place to inspire change. In troubled times, when the refugee crisis can seem overwhelming, this exhibition aims to be a place of hope.
I CAN ONLY TELL YOU WHAT MY EYES SEE
by Giles Duley (UK) / UNHCR
16 – 30 August
(closed on Sundays)
12.00pm – 5.00pm
The Gallery, De Montfort University, Mill Lane, Leicester. LE2 7PT
There is also a free artist talk with the photographer on 22 August 5.30pm which can be booked through Eventbrite: Artist Talk
