Art can uniquely tell the stories of migration in a way that politics cannot. In his poignant “Look Again: Strangers” book, writer Ismail Einashe examines works from Britain’s national collection of art and offers an exploration of themes of migration and belonging – and the plight of finding shelter in a foreign land.
Embarking on dangerous journeys to flee violence and persecution, migrants and refugees arrive on the shores of Britain to seek help and hope. And yet, there they become scapegoats, vilified by anti-immigrant rhetoric. Examining the work of artists like Tania Bruguera, Arshile Gorky and Mona Hatoum, “Look Again: Strangers” challenges this narrative. It sidesteps the dehumanising language in political depictions of migrants, offering a deeper insight into the struggles and humanity of these strangers.