Lampedusa dead cat (working title)

is a work-in-progress visual exploration of EU border politcs on the island of Lampedusa. Well known for its Caribbean flair beaches and the 2013 shipwreck which cost the life of 545 people on the move, the island is in a constant state of in-between. With an ever-growing military presence (currently 1500 people out of 5000 inhabitants are military personnel), up to 50,000 tourists during the summer period and more than 18,000 refugees reaching the EU though Lampedusa on precarious boats in 2023 so far, the 22km long island finds itself in spotlight of a political balancing act.

With the new rise of right wing and anti-immigration policies in Italy, Lampedusa is becoming a playground for politicians more than ever – playing both with the lives and livelihoods of both people arriving and living on the Island.

2023 - ongoing