Migrants: An exhibition of work by artist Issa Watanabe

Launch:  Wed 4 December, 6.00pm 
All welcome 
Level 3, dlr LexIcon 

Presented by the Peruvian Embassy in Ireland, this exhibition highlights the work of Issa Watanabe, one of the most recognised Latin American illustrators in recent years. Her book Migrants, published in Spain and in 18 countries, has received important distinctions, such as the Libreter Award (Barcelona, 2020) and the Gran Premio BIBF Ananas (Beijing, 2021). The artist's journey has a strong self-taught element: she began studying Literature at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, later resided in Mallorca, where she took some art courses, and then returned to the Peruvian capital to fully dedicate herself to her creative work.

“The first drawing I made was inspired by a series from photographer Magnus Wenman, who portrayed Syrian children sleeping in makeshift camps in the middle of the forest. The children’s gaze reflected not only profound sadness but, above all, the terror they were experiencing. They have lost their homes, witnessed the atrocities of war, and endured extreme poverty; they have felt the suffering that comes with losing their parents or siblings in such a violent way, and there is no solace. What can I do but draw? At least, through a drawing, I can try to reach that forest” - Issa Watanabe