Brighton marks 35th anniversary occupation of Western Sahara
Brighton Free Western Sahara Network | 01.03.2011 14:35
The opening of a photo exhibition in Brighton, attended by 80 people, coincided with the 35th anniversary of the occupation of Western Sahara. The exhibition of photos from the Western Saharan refugee camps was addressed by a Saharawi who described the harsh life in the camps. Exhibition until 1st May, Brighton.
An exhibition of photographs of the refugee camps in the Sahara desert opened on Sunday and will run for two months in Brighton. The pictures offer an insight into the lives of over 100,000 people from Western Sahara forced from their homes in on of the world's longest conflicts. The photos were recently praised by Michael Palin who visited the exhibition with fellow Monty Python Terry Jones in London before its move to Brighton. “I visited the camps on my Sahara series and was hugely impressed by the indomitable resilience of the Saharawi people.These photos are a tribute to the spirit of hope over adversity."
The exhibition - Thirst of the Dunes - reflects the work of two photographers who spent time in the refugee camps in the desert earlier in the year and are keen to raise awareness of the abject situation facing the Saharawis who have lived in exile in four large camps in the inhospitable Algerian desert for over three decades. Known as 'Africa's last colony' Western Sahara, was given to Morocco by the Spanish when they withdrew in 1976. A 16 year war followed and a 19 year ceasefire, but the Saharawi's displaced by the occupation have never been able to return home.
"I only learned about the the plight of the Saharawi people relatively recently. It is a situation that is hard to ignore, although the international community seems to have no difficulty in doing so" says photographer Robert Griffin, "The refugees in the camps have nothing. They are entirely dependent on external supplies of food and water and face standstorms and temperatures of 120 degrees – but what makes their lives even worse is that no one knows they are even there.”
Through his photographs –the photographers have tried to capture a sense of the lives of the Saharawi and their environment. Griffin says:
"Despite living in such harsh circumstances they have not lost their sense of humanity, optimism, hope or humour - it was truly a humbling privilege to meet them - and I hope that through my photos I've captured something of their spirit, generosity and quiet dignity. They have nothing yet they give everything."
The exhibition – Thirst of the Dunes - will take place in the Redroaster Coffee House, 1d St James' Street, Brighton, BN2 1RE
27th February - 1st May 2011
Those wanting to visit the refugee camps themselves will be able to register to go to the FiSahara Film Festival (4th May - 8th May) - visit www.festivalsahara.com
The exhibition - Thirst of the Dunes - reflects the work of two photographers who spent time in the refugee camps in the desert earlier in the year and are keen to raise awareness of the abject situation facing the Saharawis who have lived in exile in four large camps in the inhospitable Algerian desert for over three decades. Known as 'Africa's last colony' Western Sahara, was given to Morocco by the Spanish when they withdrew in 1976. A 16 year war followed and a 19 year ceasefire, but the Saharawi's displaced by the occupation have never been able to return home.
"I only learned about the the plight of the Saharawi people relatively recently. It is a situation that is hard to ignore, although the international community seems to have no difficulty in doing so" says photographer Robert Griffin, "The refugees in the camps have nothing. They are entirely dependent on external supplies of food and water and face standstorms and temperatures of 120 degrees – but what makes their lives even worse is that no one knows they are even there.”
Through his photographs –the photographers have tried to capture a sense of the lives of the Saharawi and their environment. Griffin says:
"Despite living in such harsh circumstances they have not lost their sense of humanity, optimism, hope or humour - it was truly a humbling privilege to meet them - and I hope that through my photos I've captured something of their spirit, generosity and quiet dignity. They have nothing yet they give everything."
The exhibition – Thirst of the Dunes - will take place in the Redroaster Coffee House, 1d St James' Street, Brighton, BN2 1RE
27th February - 1st May 2011
Those wanting to visit the refugee camps themselves will be able to register to go to the FiSahara Film Festival (4th May - 8th May) - visit www.festivalsahara.com
Brighton Free Western Sahara Network
