Belgian visual artists Schellekens & Peleman have brought their installation of the “Inflatable Refugee” to Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house. The 6-meter tall inflatable figure, made of the same material as rubber boats used by smugglers, aims to draw attention to the plight of refugees. The artists hope its size will prompt viewers to reflect on their perceptions of asylum seekers. The figure will be on display until June 28, allowing opera-goers to engage with the message.
The installation comes at a time when the UN refugee agency has reported that 120 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict and other crises. In Sudan alone, over 10 million people have been displaced by civil war, while conflicts in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Syria continue to cause suffering. The ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has left 75% of the population essentially homeless.
While the majority of displaced people remain within their own countries, 43 million individuals have sought refuge in other countries and require international protection. Migration remains a politicized issue in Europe, with far-right parties making gains in recent elections. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi expressed concern about the instrumentalization of refugees by some politicians, who depict them as threats to jobs, values, and security in a way that is often racist.
The artists behind the “Inflatable Refugee” hope to counter these negative perceptions and humanize the refugee experience through their art. By bringing this powerful installation to a prestigious opera house, they aim to spark conversation and promote empathy towards refugees. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the ongoing displacement crisis around the world and the need for global cooperation to address the needs of millions of vulnerable individuals.
As the installation draws attention to the struggles faced by refugees, it also challenges viewers to consider their own biases and assumptions about asylum seekers. By inviting audiences to engage with the figure in a public setting, the artists encourage reflection and dialogue on a pressing humanitarian issue. The “Inflatable Refugee” serves as a poignant symbol of the millions of displaced individuals who are seeking safety and a new beginning in the face of conflict and persecution.
