On this page, we will find a compilation of photos that I have worked with several organisations and projects, all focused on migration and climate change.
“ The lack of European management on effective migration policies escalates the situation in Lampedusa''
I've written an article and produced a photo essay while working in Lampedusa in Italy, during one most significant crises of the history of island.
’’ Lampedusa, an Italian island close to the North African countries, has seen a record number of arrivals in the past few days following a quiet week due to a storm in the Central Mediterranean that prevented boats from departing. Following a patch of good weather, an influx of boats has arrived with thousands of people looking to start a life in Europe. On Tuesday 12, the situation in Lampedusa escalated tremendously with over 6000 people arriving in just 24 hours. This has left the island at breaking point with food, water and shelter not being provided to everyone and the authorities struggling to manage. The hotspot/camp has lost control and many people have been left on the streets without their basic needs being met. So the question is, how are they meant to claim asylum in Europe if they can’t get here legally and when they do by illegal means, they are criminalised and punished in camps? ‘‘
Link for the article on Fair Observer: https://fairobserver.com/timeline/lampedusa-situation-timeline/
Link for the article on Hot Press in Ireland: https://www.hotpress.com/opinion/humanitarian-crisis-in-lampedusa-the-situation-on-the-italian-island-is-critical-22988097
Collaborations with other publications and journalists.
Link for the Portal Novosti in Croatia: https://portalnovosti.com/zloceste-cure-ursula-i-giorgia
Link for the magazine MRCC in Italy: https://civilmrcc.eu/echoes-from-the-central-mediterranean/echoes-issue-8-september-2023/
Calls For Ceasefire in Gaza Intensify Following Dublin March - Photo report
Last Saturday, a major demonstration in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza took place in Dublin. Thousands of people attended what was a powerful protest against the increasingly punitive violence being inflicted on civilians by the Israeli military, and the threat of genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.
Reported to Hot Press while covering the demonstration in Dublin city.
Link: https://www.hotpress.com/news/calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-intensify-following-dublin-march-photos-22992412
MVI - Medical Volunteers International working on the ground in Bosnia - Activities Report - November - December 2021
‘‘ According to the World Health Organization, “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition”. The MVI medical team visits several locations every day to ensure the right to healthcare. But it is a huge challenge to make this basic right accessible to everyone, especially one in this region. Once we arrive, a consultation takes place. This initial conversation is very important to understand people's medical needs and to explain the steps and recommendations of medical assistance.. ’’
Report done by Fellipe Lopes.
Full report link: https://medical-volunteers.org/REPORT-12_2021-2.pdf
Afghan Refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos Hold Solidarity Rally
With the Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan, the fears of those who left to seek asylum in Europe have been realised.
Photos, video and text by Fellipe Lopes, reporting from Mytilini, in Lesbos, Greece.
Published on HotPress: https://www.hotpress.com/culture/watch-afghan-refugees-on-the-greek-island-of-lesbos-hold-solidarity-rally-22866615
Belfast’s Broken Record Crackles On
My piece about the situation in Belfast, Northern Ireland for Cassandra Voices Magazine.
“ There is a strong impression of the same old story of the Troubles in Belfast, all over again. The new element is the pandemic affecting teenage lives “
Words and images by Fellipe Lopes in collaboration with Daniele Idini.
Full article link: https://cassandravoices.com/current-affairs/global/belfasts-broken-record-crackles-on/?fbclid=IwAR0on8RpXdV5S-XKBZL2Lzf2w_Sk-NUk-wmVJTkUlvhSFXh895AUpJ3uQ4c
Moria Refugee camp - Greece
I went to the Moria refugee camp between 28/12/2019 and 07/01/2020 to document the situation and conditions that more than 20,000 people are living in. There are several cases of people and families who have been waiting more than two years for some response regarding a relocation to a European country.
My photos were published on the article in the Irish Examiner (online and printed) and on Cassandra Voices I wrote the article.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-30985036.html
https://cassandravoices.com/current-affairs/global/camp-moria-lesbos-hell-in-europe/
UNRAVELLED - A photo essay on Europe’s textile transition
I was invited by the European Environmental Bureau to create a photo essay in Dublin at the The Rediscovery Centre. Was so nice and important to see projects like the The Rediscovery Centre looking and working in a new way. Developing the circular economy and advocates for a more resilient, equitable society.
This photo project was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the EEB as the coordinator of the ‘Make Europe Sustainable For All’ project and can under no circumstances be taken as reflecting the position of the European Union.
Link: https://meta.eeb.org/stories/unravelled/
Tsavos House - VOI - Kenya
Located only 5 minutes from the Voi railway station (SGR) in a beautiful rural setting, this property borders the Voi sand river and has stunning views of the Taita hills to the west and is just 15 minutes to the world famous Tsavo East National Park.
This is a work in progress and it will part of the new website for the Tsavos House.
Origens - Aldeia Indigena Yawanawa – Amazon – Acre – 10/2015
Immersed in the people of our origin.
After 5 hours driving by car and 9 hours by boat, I arrived at Yawanawa Indigena Tribe to document the Yawa Festival, and to get to understand the indigenous culture. My stay revealed the universe of mysteries that shape out our heritage.
Intensity, truth, love and culture defines the Yawanawa tribe.
Vida Arte Seringueira – Documentary by Fellipe Lopes – Amazon – Acre - 09/2015
The lives of artisans Gilberto Silva and Raimundo Nonato have been built with respect and admiration for the forest. Teaching this has been a central ambition at the Cazumbá-Iracema Extractive Reserve, located in Sena Madureira. The area of 750,000 hectares of forest is fully protected and houses several preservations .One of the main activities that has always generated income for the locals is crafts made using the latex from rubber trees.
In “Cazumbá-Iracema - Art of the Forest”, Gilberto and Raimundo tell their stories, showing how nature brings respect and unity to the community in which they live.
[CentrøPixø] – São Paulo - 2017
As Mano Brown ('Racionais') once sang, "who is not seen is not remembered". The need to occupy public space and leave your mark is not solely a contemporary idea. Neither is contesting its historic and artistic value. Marking your place has always been the main form of expression of the poor. Since the Roman Empire there is evidence of an art form that was not only discriminated against, but also repressed.
In Brazil ”Pixo” is this form of expression .
The exhibition [CentrøPixø] raises the discussion about the predominant presence of Pixo in the center of São Paulo. I started by the old town and began to walk. Shortly before arriving in Paulista Avenue, the Pixo started to disappear. In the most famous avenue in SP, Pixo is washed, covered, removed, and appears not to be there.
But the Pixo is there… resisting. On the way to work, on the road, every day, everywhere. It often goes unnoticed but is part of the 'background’ of the Babylon of São Paulo, reflecting the chaos of an unjust society.
The overall intention of this project is to show how prevalent Pixo is in the every day lives lives of Paulistanos. The Pixo is an organic part of the urban landscape, and its existence can be considered a spatial interference, characteristic to a city like São Paulo. However, The Pixo is a practice that is considered by many people as expressive writing but onewith a specifically political message. It is a subversive form of expression that breaks certain social values of the ruling class.
Photo Reports
Protests, activism and street photos in Dublin, Paris, Salvador and Floripa.
The photos had been published in magazines, books, zines and news papers.
Babilônia 011
Selection of photos from SP, that shows the reality on the streets on the fourth largest city in the world.
The photos had been published in magazines, books, zines and news papers.