Curated by Diana Ali at Art Center Caravel, ARTE.M Association, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal 2024 & Arthall, Victoria, Gozo, Malta 2025

Concept:

We are facing many barriers globally where our identities are being bruised, rejected, and turned away. This leaves a tension for bodies, thoughts, and circumstances to be accepted and co-exist. Artists have been invited to contest and question what it means to face barriers. Often our artworks have been declined from being shown and exhibited. This exhibition gives an opportunity for the art to migrate. There may not be a utopia, but there are ways of overcoming barriers. Imagine the artwork being personified. What would it say if it had freedom of movement, no immigration law, finding asylum and a sense of belonging without being displaced? A fantastic array of international artists come together in one space to question, confront and seek sanctuary through their artwork.

Exhibition information/Flyer:

Exhibition information/Flyer:

UPDATE 2025

In 2024, a majority of the work was detained by the Portuguese customs on the way to be exhibited in Madeira. The artwork did not have a freedom to roam. In 2025, the art hopes to confront crossings and overcome barriers by having the opportunity to be exhibited at Arthall, Malta.

Tajinder Dhami (UK)

'I am Glenn Hoddles left foot’ (Acrylic on canvas 45.72 x 60.96 cm)


'When your 13 you just want to fit in’

(Acrylic on acrylic paper 29.7 x 42 cm)


'I thought you said we were having Chips tonight’ (Acrylic on acrylic paper 45.72 x 60.96 cm)


These works are from a larger collection of paintings and drawings which explore growing up as a British Asian in the 80's & 90's UK. As a second generation of migrant parents these works are a reflection upon migration and settlement, and look for common experiences of growing up regardless of our environmental conditions. A major factor of this work is to attempt to go beyond the common stereotypes and tropes associated with representation of migrants at the time and since.


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