Undine Markus: How did your collaboration with Help Refugees first begin?
Alex Franco: I hadn’t collaborated with them before. I decided to donate the sales of my artwork to them because I feel they are one of the few NGOs taking control of the refugee crisis in Europe.

Undine: Are there any aspects that you believe have been particularly disregarded that you are trying to draw attention to with the project?
Alex: Before the Jungle, there was always a refugee crisis building and – despite it being demolished – the problem remains unresolved. Many people continue their journey with blind hope, seeking not only peace from conflict and a place they can call home but a chance to integrate themselves back into a community where they can rebuild themselves.

Undine: Can you take us through the timeline of the project?
Alex: I first met Abigail Gallagher, the writer who I started to go to the Jungle with, at Shakespeare and Co. in Paris in September 2015. Our conversation triggered the idea of going to the Jungle in Calais. It has always hit close to home and by getting to go deeper I was able to share my point of view. Basically, my interest developed when I was young and growing up in Spain as there have always been immigrants crossing over from Morocco. These people’s tales stuck with me and the need to develop my point of view by going there was a natural thing for me to do.

Undine: How did the people react to you as a photographer?
Alex: In general people were open to tell their stories and be photographed, they were excited to be part of a conversation and share their individual experiences. However, some preferred not to share. When the Jungle demolition became official many residents turned against the media because they lost hope.

Jane Carr Sky Sarape Stole £125

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