The JRS team in France chose to take part in the 22nd edition of the Nuit Blanche by inviting visitors to challenge their perspectives on exile and welcome. Sixteen artists from diverse backgrounds and sensibilities were invited to share their visions of exile, hospitality, and the encounters that emerge from them.

The photographic project “Réfugiés”, by Bastien Santanoceto 

Among the artists, the photographer Bastien Santanoceto presented his project “Réfugiés”, a series of around twenty black-and-white portraits of people in exile. Twenty faces, twenty testimonies of exile, twenty images that give voice to individuals too often reduced to stereotypes. 

In the background of each photograph, texts or drawings created by the people portrayed allowed them to connect their personal stories to their image — a way of reclaiming their stories and sharing them from their own perspective.  

Tamerlan, painter from the Caucasus, based in France since 2019 

“I am Tamerlan, a traveller through life, carried by my dreams and by poetry. To those who meet my gaze in this portrait, I want to say this: Savour every moment, and let each person live as they choose, without judgement or constraint. Life is far too short to be weighed down by intolerance. Let us love, dream, and allow freedom to guide our steps.” 

Diana, Colombian refugee living in France 

“Knowing that you are in a place where there is real safety today is a privilege. Colombia is a beautiful nation, with incredible people — a society with a deep sense of humanity. Today, many people are emigrating for various reasons: for safety, due to political problems, or because of the conflict between the main armed groups, and the numerous criminal gangs that have emerged across the country. The strength of the human spirit must be the path to social unity. We need one another. Every day, I seek strength in my spirit — through both tears and laughter — to carry on with life.” 

Mokhtar, from Afghanistan, accompanied by JRS France 

“Since I left you [Afghanistan], I’ve never truly found peace in my heart. You were the only place where I could be fully myself. Where I could be surrounded by my family, my loved ones, my friends. Where I could freely express my feelings, speak the same language, share the same culture. Where I could simply be happy, deep within my soul.” 

Through these photographs and the other works on display, JRS France wanted to reaffirm its commitment to promoting dialogue, building connections, and giving visibility to the voices and talents of people in exile. The journey of these artworks is only just beginning.