The “Refugees” exhibition in Paris

In a collaboration between JRS France and the photographer Bastien Santanoceto, the exhibition “Refugees” brings to light the personal stories of those who have left their homelands in search of safety and a better future. The exhibiton will be on display at rue de Rivoli in Paris until 26 February 2026, inviting visitors  to experience the refugees’ journey through the camera lens, offering a glimpse into their difficulties and hopes. 

These portraits offer an alternative way of telling stories of forced displacement, focusing on identity, dignity, and fragility rather than simply depicting the struggles of exile. This allows them to retake ownership of their own stories, sharing their experiences in a way that is deeply personal, intimate, and powerful.   

The white background of each photograph becomes a blank page on which refugees write their own stories. Through these images, each face speaks, and each word engraved echoes. Additionally, they remind the audience that behind every refugee there is a person with a unique life, a story, and a voice that deserves to be heard. 

These photographs not only capture the experiences of those seeking asylum in France but also their strength and resilience. Walking through the exhibition, visitors are invited to take their time to feel, reflect, and connect with the human realities behind displacement. 

“Behind this smile hides the weight of a lost homeland, silent goodbyes to family, the empty echoes of lost friendships. A fragile mask that learns to survive its fractures.”
— Muhammad Ahmadzai, project participant 

About the Photographer 

Bastien Santanoceto, a photographer living in Paris , combines cinema and experimental techniques in his work. After presenting his portrait series at the Temps d’Images festival, he published Landslag (2021), in which he explores raw photography through the landscapes of Iceland. Since 2022, he has been focusing on experimental projects. His latest exhibition, Refugees, portrays displaced individuals reclaiming their narratives while revealing the humanity behind forced displacement.

These images reflect the core values of JRS France: promoting hospitality, offering solidarity, and creating spaces for connection and trust. The exhibition also underscores the continued need for advocacy in defending the rights of refugees and asylum seekers on both national and European levels. 

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