/ 2015 / /

Migrants

  • Prize
    Bronze in Press/Political
  • Photographer
    Petra Barth is a documentary photographer working primarily in the Americas, but as well in Asia and Europe. The emphasis in her work lies on communities with the focus at human, social and environmental issues. She looks for an intuitive moment in the photograph, to reach deeper and create a new visual layer. Her work is part of the Archive of Documentary Arts at Duke University. , United States
  • Studio
    petrabarthphotography
  • Website
  • Instagram

Of all the borders dividing the USA with Mexico, Nogales
AZ/Tucson has seen the largest number of undocumented
migrants during the last decade and the greatest number of
recovered remains of migrants, perished in extreme condition in
the desert of southern Arizona.
Since 2013, I am photographing on both sides of the border,
following deported migrants, as well migrants who try to cross the
border to the US to either find work, or meet parts of their families
who already live in the US.
These portrait series is taken in a shelter located at the Mexican
side of the border, in which only deported migrants are allowed to
stay over night. The duration of the stay may not exceed three
nights.

ANDERSWO is a book about memory, dreams and life in communities in post conflict areas. The images in ANDERSWO reflect where I have traveled to, what I have seen, and what I have experienced. A journey to unfamiliar places, both geographically and emotionally. They reveal important moments in my life. Through the lens of my camera, I am able to keep moments alive which otherwise would be forgotten. I am interested in little things, but also vast landscapes and often wandered off the beaten path to find the unexpected.
Over the many years that I created this body of work, my thoughts often kep