visual narratives of relocation

In collaboration with Latin Elephant, Visual Narratives of Relocation explores narratives of relocation and displacement for migrant and ethnic economies in London in a context that was exacerbated by Covid-19. Despite being integral to London’s economy, their experiences are often overlooked. This study attempts to uncover such invisibilities through visual narratives of relocation and displacement. Invisibility intensified during the pandemic as migrant and ethnic traders struggled to get their voices heard in the face of adversity. In collaboration with Latin Elephant, a charity working with migrant and ethnic groups, and drawing on interviews and visual storytelling techniques, this six-month pilot study explores narratives of relocation and displacement. We will focus on BAME traders in Elephant and Castle (Southwark) after their removal and demolition of the shopping centre where some traded for over 30 years. As a major yet neglected sector, the project will highlight stories of relocation against the backdrop of Covid-19 which disproportionately affected ethnic minority groups.  

The project was led by 21 Artists Founder, Dr Meg Peterson, generating artwork that represents symbols of relocation for each trader. Images from each shop are distilled into colour palettes that demonstrate the often superficial treatment from the council and the developer in dealing with circumstances that are complex and unique to each individual. The next phase of the project is to go back to the traders to hear their feedback, ensuring that the images feel representational of them and their experience. 

This project was in collaboration with Southwark Playhouse in South London, documenting the local traders with shops inside Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre before it was torn down as part of large-scale regeneration in the area.