Uprooted

An exhibition focusing on the migration camps at Calais

Park Gallery, Callendar House, Falkirk, U.K.
1 April, 2020 - 27 October, 2020

Artists: 

Anonymous Refugees 
Nick Ellwood
Euan Gray
Suzanne Partridge 
Frederik Subei
Iman Tajik
Kemal Vural Tarlan

According to the UN Refugee Agency, there are currently 126,072 refugees and 45,244 pending asylum cases in the United Kingdom. There are a number of routes to resettlement in the United Kingdom but many have made the long journey across Europe by land. Of those, a number have spent time in the Jungle or similar refugee camps around Calais - the U.K. National border with mainland Europe.

The Jungle existed from March 2015 to its demolition in 2016. It was situated on a contaminated former landfill site on the Eastern edge of Calais and at its height, over 10,000 people lived in the camp. For many inhabitants it was a troubling experience but for others, the camp offered a home and a place of refuge.

Through photography, film, drawing and painting, this exhibition highlights visually in all its complexity, aspects of life in the Jungle and other informal border camps that existed and continue to exist around Calais. It also considers the wider context of the U.K. border and the difficulties faced by those trying to reach Britain.

Many of the works have been created directly by residents of the refugee camps during their stay. Other works have been produced by photojournalists, artists and activists visiting the camp or reflecting on the situation from further afield. Each piece bears witness to human resilience, immense creativity and a sense of hope.

Curated by Euan Gray