We are pleased to be part of the publication of the zine “Borders,” created by multidisciplinary artist Annso. An artistic and political approach—a research project as much as a poetic work—is what makes up this unique piece. Through this collaboration, we hope to contribute another piece to the construction of a critique of European nations, their borders, walls, camps, and prisons.
In 2022, following the suicide of the young Alireza, we wrote the text “Before We Die.” It is an testimony from inside a federal migration camp in Switzerland, explaining how borders and the asylum system devalue migrants, even driving them to suicide. A text from inside Fortress Europe.
As its name suggests, the fanzine “Borders” focuses on the outlines of this Fortress and the thousands of kilometers of barbed wire that surround it. And when we learn of the astronomical effort—amounting to billions of euros—that goes into preventing migrants from reaching Europe, it’s easy to understand why those who do manage to get through are then treated so poorly. It’s simply a continuation of a racist policy based on rejection.
The zine can be ordered via pay-what-you-want at evasions@riseup.net or on the website. It is available in French, German, and English. As always, we welcome any help with distribution or additional translations.
A word from the artist
“In 2014, I completed an end-of-study internship at an art collective where I had the opportunity to work on motion design for an interactive exhibition addressing migration and European borders. That experience deeply moved me—being able to apply my graphic design skills to a timely issue, in service of a message that aligned with my values and my desire to help envision a better world, a Europe that welcomes, heals, and helps—made me feel as though I had found my place, a perfect balance between activism and creativity.
Ten years later, some wars have ended and others have begun; France remains among the top three arms exporters, and I found myself wondering where Europe stands on the issue of its borders.
I searched patiently and found websites that continue to document deaths and disappearances, detentions, and newspaper articles about Frontex and its astronomical budget. Data that’s more or less up-to-date, maintained by associations, collectives, journalists, and others. Nothing has changed; migration routes remain just as dangerous, and the people traveling them are dehumanized, stripped of their origins and their stories. Migration is treated solely for political purposes—a scarecrow that instills fear and awakens monsters.
What role does art play in addressing borders? What is an artist’s place in the social sphere? How can one create work around these issues? Am I even qualified to speak about all this?
I took all these questions with me and set to work. Drawing, writing, researching, and compiling sources to create a fanzine that blends art, poetry, and society—to say that I disagree—and it felt good to express that in my own way; a fanzine that tries to show that these issues, which always seem so distant to us, are in fact our issues—issues that affect our communities and impact our friends and families.
By the purest of coincidences, while searching for a book, I discovered the Projet-Evasions; I loved the tagline, the independent spirit, and the accessibility of this collective. I took a chance and submitted my project, and it took on a whole new dimension. After much thought and streamlining, it took me a while to find its final form, but what an immense pleasure it is to see it published today in three languages.
This fanzine is like a drop of water, a map, a poem, a vision of the artistic world—my modest contribution to ensuring these questions aren’t forgotten. I hope it will inspire some people to learn more, to seek out information, to refine their understanding, and even to correct any mistakes I may have made.
One thing is certain: you don’t build a better world with walls and watchtowers.”