Beyond Borders 2014

MAPgroup’s Beyond Borders documents the unique experiences of asylum seekers and refugees seeking a safer life under exceptionally challenging circumstances, through photographs and a multimedia production. 

Each of the photographers explore varied themes including the universality of being a parent; the longing for loved ones separated by displacement or death; the difficulty of being torn between two cultures; and the importance of sports in building confidence amongst young people. But it is the words of the participants, woven into the exhibition, which are most powerful. Coming from a range of countries including Burma, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Eritrea and South Sudan, Beyond Borders highlights their multifaceted experiences, stories and voices. And yet, these voices hauntingly suggest the countless others that will never be heard.

Beyond Borders reminds us that these are people, not problems. Ultimately, through sharing personal stories, we can transcend the divisions between us- and go beyond borders.

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The full project can be viewed here
https://www.mapgroup.org.au/beyond-borders

One of the nation’s most recognised photographic collectives, MAPgroup is an independent association of approximately 40 documentary photographers. 

Silvi Glattauer is a member of MAPgroup.
http://www.mapgroup.org.au

thurka’s song

Thurka is a young Tamil asylum seeker from Sri Lanka. Living in Melbourne with her father and young brother, she has had to leave behind her mother and sisters. As an asylum seeker in Australia, Thurka does not have the right to work or education until she is granted Refugee status, which could take years.

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Robabeh’s Kitchen

Robabeh is an asylum seeker from Afghanistan. Living in Melbourne with her three daughters, she wishes only to give her daughters the opportunity of an education that was denied to her in Afghanistan. As an asylum seeker in Australia, Robabeh and her husband do not have the right to work or education until they are granted Refugee status, which could take years.

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Robabeh’s Story

Robabeh is an asylum seeker from Afghanistan. Living in Melbourne with her three daughters, she wishes only to give her daughters the opportunity of an education that was denied to her in Afghanistan. As an asylum seeker in Australia, Robabeh and her husband do not have the right to work or education until they are granted Refugee status, which could take years.