The Duality of the Refugee Experience

My inspiration for this piece came from conversations about immigration and the contrasting narratives often depicted in the media, as emphasized through the “No Immigration Porn” assignment. Mainstream media often sensationalize refugees’ suffering, reducing them to symbols of hardship while overlooking their resilience and dignity. These portrayals fail to acknowledge that the refugee experience includes not just pain but also moments of joy, community, and healing.

This piece seeks to challenge such one-dimensional narratives by capturing both perspectives, the struggles and the hope, within a single frame. The left side illustrates the hardships of migration: separation, uncertainty, the immense distances traveled, and the border as a symbol of division and possibility. These are also represented by the airplane, the marching figures, and the barriers that refugees often face on their journeys. In contrast, the right side reflects the hope of a better future, represented by vibrant flowers, community, and diversity. This side emphasizes the resilience and emotional depth of refugees, showing that despite adversity, there is strength and optimism. At the center is a refugee child, split between these two worlds, embodying the duality of the refugee experience and the complexities of migration.

The medium I used was digital illustration. I began with a split composition to emphasize the juxtaposition of hardship and hope. On the left, muted tones and shadowy imagery convey the heaviness of displacement and the barriers refugees face. On the right, I incorporated vibrant colors and symbols of life and healing, such as raised hands, a kite, and blooming flowers, to signify unity, community, and possibility. The kite, in particular, symbolizes how refugees are not merely passive victims of their circumstances but active participants in shaping their future, carrying a sense of wonder and humanity despite the challenges they face. Furthermore, the child’s face, which is based on a photograph of a refugee boy, anchors the piece, with its symmetrical design emphasizing the stark emotional contrast.

This piece was deeply influenced by my reflections on how media often reduces refugees to narratives of suffering, dehumanizing their experiences. Through this piece, I aimed to present a more holistic view, one that highlights the dignity, resilience, and multifaceted lives of refugees, specifically in San Diego.

refugee child digital art duality