Migration in animals and humans is of all times.
Often the drive is caused by the wish / need to improve living conditions and procreation.
However, the effects may be a disaster for groups indigenous for a specific area. The Black Death, or plague, caused by Yersinia Pestis is related to migration due to war or trade. In the Americas, the arrival of European conquerers did lead to massive slaughter by violence and introduction of diseases for which native people were very vulnerable.
In the 21st century, migration is composed of people hired by companies as well as refugees from counries stricken by war and / or poverty. Increasingly, migration is caused by consequences of climate change.
There is often resitance against the arrival of migrants, often with focus most at refugees.
Walls are created in Europe that exceed mileage manyfold as compared to the former ‘Iron Curtain’.
Still, demographic changes in Europe and some other areas lead to a shift towards old age and insufficient numbers of young workers to keep business going, and threats of deficient care for elderly people…
At NDSM-Fuse the exhibition – curated by Ellen Klijzing – with 35 artists has focus on the experience of refugees.
The contribution of Drager Meurtant deals with slogans / banners telling refugees to
“Go To Hell = If You Are Not From Here”
Next to the banner with this text, separate words on pieces of wood, as advised by the curator, are present to charge visitors in seeking for word combinations.
Finally, the letters cut from carton to serve as template for the painted banner, are assembled as collage with additional transformation.
NDSM-Fuse ON THE RUN (OP DE VLUCHT), September 1st 2023 – January 28th, 2024.
Amsterdam, NDSM-plein.
drager-meurtant 