Pass + Port

Installation and photography

Alexandria Art Museum

Aftermath, curated by Mohamed Abouelnaga



Throughout history, immigrants have attempted to cross borders in order to get into a new homeland by sea or ocean, often through the use of a homemade boat.

These crossings are dangerous often resulting in the loss of lives due to fuel shortages, engine trouble, weather conditions and several other reasons. Norbert Francis Attard’s installation references these perils; it consists of a boat which has been filled with water and random floating objects such as safety- jackets, bottles of water, clothes, shoes, containers, and other items, all representing the few essentials which illegal immigrants carry with them when embarking on a journey. PASS+PORT also investigates why illegal immigrants have decided to take the risk of fleeing to a foreign country in search of a better life. He explosres the issues of conflicts, dissolution and/or disintegration of multicultural states, natural disasters or other environmental problems, discrimination, political instability and poor economic situations. Individuals generally choose to migrate to countries that are more technologically advanced, have greater resources and offer more opportunities. Attard’s choice of title is deliberate and calls attention to the not so hidden dark side of illegal immigration.

The word passport originated in the 15th century (denoting authorisation to enter or depart from a port) from the French word passeport, from passer “to pass” and port “seaport”. Passports are among some of the most commonly falsified travel documents. Most illegal immigrants usually travel without any official identification or documents. Their intention is that of staying in the new country or using it as a stepping-stone, sometimes misusing the asylum procedure with the knowledge that immediate repatriation will not be carried out. The production of falsified documents and the facilitation of the movement or the human trafficking of illegal immigrants is a very active and lucrative black market that is run by organised crime groups. Illegal immigration is also a very controversial and divisive topic throughout the world. This installation eloquently references the duality of an illegal immigrant’s journey – the hope and bravery to seek a better life that is fraught with uncertainty and peril.

The exhibition will be open between

17 December and 31 January 2010.