My Echo, My Shadow and Me at University of Luxembourg

Our project within Esch European Capital of Culture 2022. The project takes place at the University of Luxembourg and involves over 50 young people, more than half refugees in temporary accommodation and camps.

The exhibition My Echo, My Shadow and Me at Maison du Savoir, University of Luxembourg, is the outcome of regular autobiographical workshops led by artist Cristina Nuñez in 2021 and 2022, involving more than 50 people from three groups: a class C.O.P. (students who have experienced academic failure) at the local secondary school Lycée Belval; a group of students and staff from the University of Luxembourg; a group of heterogeneous youth from 20 to 30 years old. The latter group includes participants with substance abuse or mental health issues and others who are migrants, mainly as refugees from countries such as Syria, Eritrea, Somalia and Afghanistan.

During the workshops, participants were steered to work on their identity as individuals and community members, improve their perception of themselves and use technology with more awareness by applying Cristina Nuñez’s methodology: The Self-Portrait Experience (SPEX). Through SPEX, participants explore their emotions, needs, and values through guided questions posed by the artist using a peer-to-peer approach. Then, through various media - such as photography, video, and journaling - they build an autobiographical and community archive.

The project aims to broaden the perception of self and others, foster self-esteem and empowerment, stimulate the creative process for individual and social transformation, improve the relationships between peers, family and society, and strengthen a sense of belonging and identity.

FREE ENTRANCE

Exhibition dates

08 November - 31 December 2022

Location

Maison du Savoir

University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette

Opening Reception

16 November 2022, 7 pm

Maison des Arts et des Étudiants - Grande Salle

University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette