An exploration of refugee stories through art

Es Devlin is set to unveil CONGREGATION, a monumental public installation at St Mary le Strand in London, from October 4th to October 9th, 2024. Created in collaboration with UK for UNHCR and curated by Ekow Eshun, the project is a poignant exploration of displacement and migration. Over the past four months, Devlin has been working closely with 50 Londoners who have experienced forced displacement, capturing their stories through large-scale chalk and charcoal portraits. Each sitter is depicted holding a box that contains a projection of their imagined gift, symbolizing their contributions to the city.

The installation will transform St Mary le Strand into a tiered sculptural portrait, with the surrounding area hosting daily choral performances by various choirs at 7 p.m. The project is enriched by a collaboration with King’s College London and The Courtauld, both of which have deep historical ties to migration and sanctuary. Visitors to the installation will witness a blend of visual art and sound, where personal stories and communal voices intertwine.

Devlin’s approach to the portraits was informed by her research into portraiture and the archives of Lucian Freud. She emphasizes that she begins each portrait without knowing the subject’s story, a process that reflects the assumptions and biases that shape our perceptions of others. This process aligns with her broader intention of highlighting the structures that create separation between individuals and how art can soften those divisions.

In tandem with the installation, King’s College will hold public discussions and policy events on migration, amplifying the themes of the exhibition. This project also responds to the history of St Mary le Strand, a site with a rich tradition of sheltering those seeking refuge.

Read our interview with Es Devlin in the SS24 issue to find out more about her creative practice and work.

All images courtesy of ES DEVLIN