The UN estimates that more than 250 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050. In the context of increased migration and 'statelessness', Other Us is an exploration of the formation and survival of a future independent nation.
In the second half of the 20th century humans have ventured onto water to live in floating island habitations. Solas is a raft state located in the North Atlantic. The project explores the process of building a state and gaining the recognition required for long term economic and legal survival.
An established criteria fro statehood: defined territory; permanent population; government; and capacity to enter into relations with other states is used as a framework to create tangible future artefacts. Rather than the practical survival aspects of life on an artificial island, the project instead aims to look at the long term priorities and financial incentives. It is a critical exploration of the implications of marginalising and isolating displaced people.
Photo credit: Tom Mannion (in cabinet) Nilou Estfandiary (grey background) Katy Shand (all others)
Print design for Paper London AW14
Photo credit: Paper London
Embroidery collaboration with Mungo Gurney SS13
Photography by David Yeo
