Portrait Series Documents the Aspirations and Desires of 1,000 Refugees – A Conversation with the Creator
Title: 1000 Dreams: A Groundbreaking Portrait of Refugee Narratives Through Self-Created Stories and Imagery
In a time when the discourse surrounding refugees is frequently tainted by fear and false narratives, the 1000 Dreams initiative by Witness Change aims to transform public understanding by undertaking a revolutionary approach—granting the power of storytelling to refugees themselves. On display at the Bronx Documentary Center until May 11, 2025, this exhibition encourages attendees to engage with the genuine individuals and their profound aspirations beyond the headlines.
Witness Change, the non-profit organization behind this endeavor, firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling to combat human rights violations. Through a meticulously crafted process spearheaded by its founder, photojournalist Robin Hammond, the organization conducted a series of in-person workshops in Greece and the UK, followed by online workshops throughout Europe. This ambitious initiative ultimately involved 1,000 refugees in composing and sharing their own stories through personal interviews and evocative portraits.
A Fresh Narrative from Within
1000 Dreams challenges the conventional depiction of refugees as mere statistics or anonymous victims. Instead, these individuals—men, women, and children from various backgrounds—rediscover their identities and dreams with bravery and openness. Each photograph, paired with first-person narratives, creates an intimate and layered portrait of displacement, tenacity, and aspiration.
William Lounsbury, Projects Manager at Witness Change, articulates the project’s primary objective: “Much of the media coverage surrounding migrants and refugees today is negative. They are often discussed as a burden or a menace. Yet it is infrequent that refugees get the chance to report on their circumstances.”
The project does more than chronicle stories—it empowers those who tell them. Participants received guidance on utilizing photography and narrative to convey their realities. The outcomes are poignant portraits that explore not just traumatic experiences, but also dreams and emotional resilience.
Inspirational Faces and Narratives
Among the voices represented in the exhibition are:
– Lady Chavarría, a transgender asylum-seeker from El Salvador, who shares her journey’s struggles and her strong pursuit of independence amid ongoing violence.
– Roholah Mohamadi from Iran, who aspired to provide his children with a secure future and bravely navigated perilous waters and harsh travel conditions in search of peace.
– Leticia, a 63-year-old Ugandan woman who escaped persecution as a member of the LGBTQI+ community. Now residing in the UK, she embraces freedom of expression and dreams of creating a home with her partner.
– Mirqedir Mirzat, an Uyghur activist forced to flee tyranny in China, whose political struggle persists in exile as he juggles hope alongside the heaviness of being separated from his homeland.
– Iva, a 21-year-old Ukrainian music student in New York City, who transformed her challenges and homesickness into her quest for a musical career, dreaming of someday inspiring young individuals through education.
These narratives, along with countless others, illuminate recurring themes of trauma interwoven with hope, and challenge the misconception that refugees are “others.” Instead, they reveal that refugees, like everyone else, aspire for stability, love, purpose, and a brighter future.
Striking a Balance Between Visibility and Safety
Some participants decided to reveal their identities; others preferred to remain anonymous—an integral component of the project’s ethical structure. Before capturing and disseminating any images or stories, all participants were comprehensively briefed on the intended use of their contributions.
“If you wouldn’t feel comfortable with your neighbor seeing this, perhaps you should conceal your identity,” participants were counseled. Ensuring their safety, dignity, and autonomy was of utmost importance throughout the project.
The Strength of Shared Humanity
At its core, 1000 Dreams acts as a visual and emotional conduit between audiences and those experiencing displacement. By highlighting shared human emotions—perseverance, love, sorrow, and hope—the exhibition cultivates empathy and reclaims the narrative from dehumanizing political discourse.
“What people frequently overlook is how alike we all are,” Lounsbury states. “Refugees may hail from different corners of the world and confront unique challenges, yet their desires and ambitions are universally human.”
Future Aspirations and Educational Growth
Looking to the future, Witness Change intends to enhance the impact of 1000 Dreams by introducing educational workshops, including an imminent one in Detroit. The objective is to weave these refugee narratives into classroom conversations and broader community discussions, ensuring that the voices continue to ignite empathy and provoke change well beyond the confines of galleries and exhibitions.
The journey does not conclude with photography—it persists in the advocacy for human rights, policy transformation, and the rehumanization of those in pursuit of refuge.
Visiting the Exhibition
1000 Dreams is presently displayed at the Bronx Documentary Center, a venue dedicated to employing photography to examine social justice. The exhibition is open from April 3 to May 11, 2025.
Exhibition Info:
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