top of page

REFRAMING WITH CLOUDS

Calais, 9th April 2025


We arrived in Calais to a cloudy sky, a contrast to the last few days in which the skies on both sides of the Channel have been blue.


Today in the day centre @calais.exilessc we spread our cloud wallpaper down the middle of the table to bring a lighter surface and help reframe the space. it’s our old reused roll which has previously travelled back and forth with us between sites. The local longterm volunteers who joined us at The Community Table also helped to frame the space, bringing their own stories, memories and even songs. In parallel, a cooked meal was being prepared for everyone, in honour of a volunteer’s recent bereavement. The care and attention given in so many ways in this setting is always moving.


There was a gentle rhythm at the table to which we introduced clouds in various forms - knitted, brick and plasticine, watercolour clouds and a cloud typed out on the typewriter.

A cloud is a visible mass of particles suspended in the air or gas. Here in Calais people who are displaced are also suspended, with spaces in which they can be visible becoming ever more scarce. One man described his experiences of trying to get to a boat in the cold and dark, of being chased by police and followed by drones. He also spoke of finding magic in looking up at the clear night sky through the trees and finding shining stars.


Every time we come to Calais we try to reframe the space we are in to make it inviting enough for people. As always we meet people who have to reframe their lives, again and again. In this brutal environment in which people are constantly moved on, often having to hide away, a space just to sit and to be becomes crucial.


Words by Miriam Usiskin & Bobby Lloyd with Claudia Janke.




 
 
 

コメント


CONTACT US.
ICONFINAL.jpg

Postal address

Art Refuge

The Coach House

2 Upper York Street

Bristol BS2 8QN

England, UK

info@artrefuge.org.uk

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Working with

Medeins Du Monde logo.jpeg
Secours Catholique logo.png
Young Roots logo.png

Thanks for submitting!

Art Refuge is a mobile charity without a physical base. While we do not provide practical support, we are proud to offer arts-based mental health and wellbeing support for people who are displaced, alongside our partners. Thank you so much for your interest in our work.

Subscribe to stay updated!

Thanks for subscribing!

View our Privacy Policy, here.

Art Refuge: UK registered Charity 1114353  

 

© Art Refuge 2024

All photographs copyright Art Refuge 

bottom of page