Migrant Sea: Fidéle

The third installment of Stéphane Grasso’s multimedia project, Migrant Sea: Fidéle, is a radical departure in its presentation. Here, we have a photo essay with an interactive Google map of Fidéle Deholo’s journey from Cameroon to Italy. Deholo is a fascinating character. Raised by his grandfather, dislocated from his village by Boko Haram in 2015, he initially sought to find a new home somewhere in Africa.

After failing to find a decent place to live in various countries, including Libya and Algeria, Deholo was convinced that emigrating to Europe would alleviate his problems. As he relates, Africans believe Europe to be a beautiful place that will provide you with everything you need. This is the myth that brings many Africans to Europe. It’s in line with the European obsession with America: its streets were paved with gold. After many close shaves, including his first boat sinking, Deholo eventually arrives in Italy.

“…dislocated from his village by Boko Haram in 2015…”

This is a fascinating and turbulent tale. The medium selected is odd. If you enjoy reading essays with photos, you may enjoy this one. I found it difficult to follow. However, I applaud the creativity and ingenuity on display. This was a very different experience.

Stéphane Grasso and his collaborators have fashioned a deeply experimental and experiential multimedia project in Migrant Sea: Fidéle. It’s worth exploring.