Photography holds the incredible power to tell stories and can act as a platform to share captivating moments that compel us to find out more. An exceptional demonstration of this is After Refuge, an ongoing project created by Tobi Asmoucha, that documents the lives of individuals who immigrated to Canada. Using visual and auditory mediums, Tobi has set out to uncover what happens after refuge is granted, as a way to help share the perspectives of those who went through difficult paths to create a new life in Canada.
The inspiration to create After Refuge has personal ties to Tobi, as she shares, “It just hit me one night as I was about the fall asleep that I wished I could have photographed my dad and his partners in the wholesale hardware business they ran together, showing what happens after you receive refuge. The three partners were Jewish Iraqis with different stories of how they ended up in Vancouver, but what I was most interested in was showing the space and world they created in Canada. As my father was no longer alive, I thought it would be interesting to photograph and find out what were other people’s experiences.”
She continues, “I believe we have deep stories in us, and the really interesting things that happen to us usually aren’t voiced. As I couldn’t ask those questions and document my story, I wanted to be a conduit for other people’s stories. It is easier discussing these sometimes heavy situations and ideas with someone who doesn’t have to hold all of their weight – like hearing about someone’s life story on an airplane.”
To get started, Tobi took the initial step of sharing her intentions for the project with friends and her Facebook community. From there, people began to come forward expressing interest or with recommendations of friends interested in taking part. “It seemed to only work when I was introduced, as people needed to feel that I was safe, vouched for,” she shares. This entire process required some time to complete, as Tobi explains, “Finding people who wanted to be involved [and] getting the word out took time. Plus, I was teaching for two colleges, including Centennial College, during this time, along with my photographic business and having a family. Sometimes there really wasn’t enough time to make it all happen quickly.”
After receiving an Ontario Arts Council Project Grant in 2017, Tobi took that first year to photograph several individuals while navigating exactly what she wanted her project to encapsulate. “Originally, it was only to be photographs with captions, but I recorded interviews that lasted anywhere from half an hour to one and a half hours. I knew the people’s voices needed to be part of the exhibition as the voices needed to be heard. I’ve been teaching in the Broadcasting program, and the students make a slide-show for my course, which I think rubbed off on me.”
While the pandemic impacted the completion of the project, Tobi says that it gave her more time with the work, which helped her see it clearer. “The work was there, but I shaped it during the past two years,” she explains.
Having now pieced together the material, Tobi’s work is on display at Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography. Located within the Member’s Gallery, Tobi shares, “I hope [viewers of After Refuge] will be as interested in the people in the photographs as I am. Perhaps make you think how we all have deep stories that shape us that are worth being heard and told.”
While creating the After Refuge exhibition, there were some stand-out lessons that Tobi uncovered throughout. She explains, “Sometimes it isn’t the photo that you think is the image; you need time to see the work when it is a personal project, as your own perspective and ideas of the moments that happened in real life get in the way of what is really there in the image. I have needed more time going through the images, and I see them differently over time.”
In addition to her personal photography projects, Tobi teaches within the Photography program here at the Story Arts Centre. “I love seeing a student’s work and how they come through their work over time. You can see their ideas and style that are unique to them, [and you can be] there as they develop their visual ideas and gain technical skills. I love photography and getting to see, do, and discuss it with people. It is a small group, and you really get to know the students over time,” she shares.
In terms of how the program prepares students in the industry, Tobi says, “It is a great program, as the faculty are working photographers with a variety of strengths. Students can learn really practical skills and how to work with clients from people in the industry, [and] I think that means a lot.”
As for advice for prospective students thinking about enrolling in the program, she shares, “Pursue the photography you wanted to do before coming and be open to trying new ideas. This is your time to try out different equipment and concepts, learn by trial, [and] this is the place to find out what feels best for you by doing.”
After Refuge is on display at Gallery 44 until May 28, 2022, and is part of this year’s CONTACT Photography Festival.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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