"1000 Corridors and Boxes”
Deeply concerned about the negativity surrounding asylum in the UK, I set out to challenge these narratives and connect with organisations and young people dealing with asylum.
Corridors and Boxes reflects the constant instability that young people seeking safety face, and the huge complexity of the asylum system they must navigate. Together and in collaboration with Young Roots, a UK-based asylum and refugee charity, we set out on a creative project with the individuals they support to capture powerful, reflective portraits.
From the start, it became apparent that to be true to our project, we needed to let go and let the young people have as much control as possible over every detail.
Each participant was actively involved in the shoot, planning, choosing locations, assisting with lighting, and providing feedback, and of course, approving the images they wished to be featured.
Their portraits, titled by the young people themselves, showcase their resilience, charm, and profound sense of community nurtured by Young Roots. Despite a difficult and broken asylum system, these young people exude leadership, dignity, courage, and love—qualities that truly make for a better world.
By focusing on them, we aim to shed light on the complex challenges they face and celebrate their remarkable spirit and sense of togetherness.
I hope this project helps to highlight the realness around asylum and refugees in the UK, and that we can start to reimagine and better understand the process of welcoming young people to safety. We need to change.
