_The Refugee Nation
This started out as a side project, carried out between working hours, in fun and whispers. Then it became a statement, then it turned into a movement. When we first looked at the news of the first Olympic team, called to partake in the Rio Olympics as “Refugees” without representation, we found the paradox of being stateless in the world’s biggest display of statehood, a little outrageous and confusing. For the first time ever, a refugee team was supposed to compete at the Olympic Games, representing 65 million displaced people worldwide. These 10 athletes would be there with no anthem to march to, and no flag to hoist. And so a nation was born, to claim this team, and shed light on the refugee crisis. Empowered by a flag, and supported by refugees, artists, government officials and institutions, we have created a platform for people to rally behind, for refugees all over. (The Refugee Nation)
““BLACK AND ORANGE IS A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY WITH ALL THESE BRAVE SOULS THAT HAD TO WEAR LIFE-VESTS TO CROSS THE SEA TO LOOK FOR SAFETY IN A NEW COUNTRY. SINCE I HAD WEAR ONE I HAVE A PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THESE LIFE-VESTS, AND THESE TWO COLORS.” | YARA SAID ”
The flag is now a primary source of income for newcomer refugees. Making flags out of real life vests, is a project in partnership with Makers Unite.
On every British Airways flight, the story of the Refugee Flag can be watched as a part of a documentary about the Rapid Collection Response Unit of the Victoria & Albert museum.
Some Museums and Exhibitions:
MoMA (NYC): Permanent Collection
Victoria & Albert (London): Permanent Collection and Rapid Response Collection
Stedelijk (Amsterdam): Solution or Utopia? Design For Refugees
Vienna Biennale: The Utopia of New Design
Estoril Conferences: Global Migration Exhibition
Kansas Art Institute: Project Wall