As of May 2022, 100 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. Mehdi Jalalaghdamian explores this crisis through his own experience in his inspiring exhibition, Art in Exile, which is currently on show at Firstsite Gallery in the centre of Colchester and runs until next September. This free-to-visit capsule exhibition focuses not only on three Persian rugs by the artist, but also takes us on a cultural and artistic tour behind the creations of these artworks - to the process and inspirations that started them.  

When entering the Mosaic Gallery (where the exhibition is housed) it soon becomes clear just how personal this exhibition is. Moving anti-clockwise around the small, teal gallery we learn about the base materials used to create these rugs and the story of how Jalalaghdamian sourced the uncoloured yarns in his home country, before taking them to a traditional dyeing specialist. Immediately, Jalaghdamian’s work stands out amongst the Persian rug makers who typically use machine-dyed yarn - his rugs are literally threaded with cultural tradition.  

Although the gallery is busy, there is a contemplative atmosphere as the story progresses and we learn about Jalalaghdamian’s perseverance to make his art in exile. The artist is currently sheltered in England (with the help of Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action Group Colchester - RAMA) but these pieces were made whilst he was seeking asylum in Sweden. Jalalaghdamian’s central piece discusses the current worldwide refugee crisis, bringing his own moving story and personal experiences into the art too. His work was introduced to Firstsite by RAMA this January.  

The exhibition focuses on one affecting work: The Tragedy of Refugees. Around me, there’s a silencing effect on visitors as they absorb the scale of the piece and the problems it showcases. The colours are rich, the images vivid. An overwhelming collage of tragedy is bordered with a traditional and fine floral pattern. The Tragedy of Refugees combines infamous news images, well recognised by all, with the personal memories of Mehdi Jalalaghdamian. In the centre, the heartbreaking image of the body of two-year-old Aylan Kurdi - a photograph that has become synonymous with the ongoing refugee crisis. It is a piece of art that blends delicate cultural beauty, an urgent message to the observer and an homage to refugees, worldwide.  

The exhibition leaves the viewer with a sobering sense of awareness and a reminder to listen to the stories of others. Sometimes it's important to shock ourselves into reality a little, and Jalalaghdamian does this perfectly, whilst still finding hope in tragedy. The exhibition has been well received for these reasons, and everyone leaves feeling a little more empathetic and connected than when they entered.