Book 1 of 12 books, 100 pages hand-made raw cotton paper. 58 cm x 41 cm. Ink drawings, gouache, collages, digital prints. Typewriter text and relief print with gilding tools.
Photography André Fleuren
Bookbinding Barbara Schmelzer
Collection State Library of NSW

This work looks at past and present policies that different governments instigated to help or deny entry to people in need of a ‘Safe Haven’. This project is a reminder of Australia’s responsibility as a first signatory of the United Nation Human Rights Charter.
Over 12 books, I am bringing the stories of these refugees, often relegated to the margin of society, to the centre of the page. The books are presented in a barbwire cage alluding to the restrictive movements imposed on refugees.

In parallel to the fate of many refugees, drawings of the Australian bush and botanical specimens are referencing the First Nation people often equally displaced from their lands and placed in camps or mission.

I am forever grateful for the support given by Navid, Grace, Mario and Richard from Broken Yellow and Marta for believing in this project. It has been a long process and your positive energy has sustained me to keep working. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.

PDF versions of the books are available here →