Setting out in search or rather in quest of a better world, an oasis of peace, fleeing war and misery, migrants must face perils, hatred, the selfish rejection of the states where they end up, and quite often, death at the end of the path.
How many reach the European shores safe and sound? This is the backdrop; Hanne Elf, with her brush and sensitivity, offers her response to this drama where wealthy countries seem, if not indifferent, at least powerless to address it.
The most timid want to close borders by practicing an ostrich policy, while the bravest risk themselves to provide help and aid to these migrants and face trials where they are more severely punished than white-collar or corporate criminals.
Odyssey, presented at the Depardieu gallery, reveals this human tragedy. Hanne Elf exhibits her paintings: ethereal ships in an opaque night and a misty sky. Is it fog or a discreet curtain drawn over these human dramas? Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses returning to Ithaca after a long journey.
The artist uses this legend to illustrate the journey, the exodus of these thousands of men, women, and children. Ulysses to go to the end of the path and find death there.
Brutal reality, does the Odyssey have an end? Yes, if we remain silent; no, if we act; neither against nor for, but with. After all, Ulysses himself was also a migrant. A painting depicts the registered ship: S 17662, now located in Cologne Cathedral and serving as an altar for celebrating mass in honor of migrants.
This tragedy is close to home; in Garavan, turned-back migrants attempt to pass through rocky paths at the risk of their lives. They are human beings, and it’s sad to see more compassion for animals in our country.
Hanne Elf, a German artist, raises our awareness with her magnificent paintings of the daily drama of migrants, their exodus, their Odyssey where, unfortunately, a black veil always hangs over their arrival, either rejected or dead, victims of indifference and selfishness. Fortunately, there are good Samaritans to assist them.
This exhibition by Hanne Elf is visible until April 29 at the Depardieu gallery in Nice. A beautiful lesson in morality, charity, and fraternity, quite useful in this period where the rejection of others is the cornerstone of the projects and programs of some presidential candidates.
Thank you, Hanne Elf, for your work.
Thierry Jan
