My Echo, My Shadow and Me (virtual show)

Our project within Esch European Capital of Culture 2022 consists of a physical show at the University of Luxembourg, a book and this virtual show.

“My Echo, My Shadow and Me” 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 with 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; strengthen a sense of belonging and identity.

A physical exhibition of the project has been held at Maison du Savoir, University of Luxembourg, in November and December 2022.

Access the virtual exhibition