Hampshire College Alum Illuminates Refugee Issues Through Photography Installation

We spoke with the Hampshire College alum and artist about her transdiciplinary work, her recent installation “To Begin Anew,” and her Hampshire experience. 

What did you study at Hampshire? What was your Div III?

My studies were in peace and conflict studies and art. I focused on democratic uprisings, revolutions, and women's participation in these movements, and I took multi-media art classes. My Div III was a photography project focused on my own experiences of being born in Albania and growing up in New York City. The photographs were accompanied by writing based on my own life experiences and touching on issues of war, poverty, development, and more. 

Were there particular faculty/staff members who inspired/supported you?

Associate Professor of Applied Ethics George Fourlas was my advisor, and I took several of his classes, including one on global justice. His classes really helped me understand a lot of complex sociopolitical issues across the world, and he was a constant source of support for me throughout my Div III.

Did your experience here at Hampshire influence your current work? If so, how?

Absolutely! Hampshire gave me the ability to study a variety of subjects and allowed me to combine my interest in politics and art. It also taught me the importance of being self-motivated and pursuing my own path. 

Can you share a bit about your current show "To Begin Anew"?

The installation [which was on display in Amherst and Northampton] features photographs and stories from five former refugees who have resettled in Western Massachusetts and become American citizens. The new Americans featured are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Syria.

The installation was done in collaboration with Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, an organization that provides services for immigrants, refugees, elders, and more, as well as the Amherst Arts Council and the Northampton Arts and Culture Department, both of which provided the grant funding to carry out and exhibit the project.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric remains a dominant theme in U.S. politics following Trump’s presidency. That’s why it’s more important than ever to build empathy, community, and awareness of the lives of refugees.

Opening photo of Baraa Ismail, a native of Syria. Photo by Mei Seva.