A powerful new online exhibition is showcasing the work of migrant artists who have established careers in the UK thanks to the research and mentoring of a Liverpool Hope University academic.
Breaking Through Borders tells the stories of artists from seven different countries, highlighting the impact migration has had on their lives and illustrating the important role art plays in dealing with turmoil, healing trauma and navigating two worlds.
Curated by Liverpool’s dot-art Gallery, the virtual exhibition was spearheaded by Dr Kathrin Wagner, Associate Professor in Art History.
Dr Wagner was introduced to the group of artists, who hail from Egypt, Greece, India, Pakistan, Poland, Sudan and Ukraine, at a workshop facilitated by TATE Liverpool and the Being Human Festival.
Having presented her research into the migration of artists in the early modern period, which was published in Artists and Migration 1400-1850: Britain, Europe and beyond, she continued to support the group with the production of new work and establishing artistic careers in the North West.
As a result of Dr Wagner’s mentoring, Sudanese photographer, Ahmed Mohammed, won overall first place in the Liverpool City Region Photography Awards.
His work, depicting the refugee camp in Calais, France that is often referred to as the Calais Jungle, also won the People and Places category at the same exhibition.
Aram Manukyan, a successful Georgian artist who lived in Ukraine until he was forced to leave the country in 2022 due the ongoing conflict with Russia, has also rebuilt his career thanks to Dr Wagner’s help.
He recently exhibited at the University’s Creative Campus and has since been negotiating with local galleries to exhibit and sell his work.
Reflecting on the exhibition, Dr Wagner said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to work with these outstanding artists, who illustrate through their work how much a country like the UK can gain from migration.
“I feel that this is particularly important under the current political climate."
The Breaking Through Borders exhibition can be viewed online at the dot-art Gallery website.