carrying home on our backs

a conversation on migratory grief

As part of the Trenza mediation program, the collective Lumbre Migrante invites you to a space for dialogue and reflection on migratory grief. Migratory grief is a complex process that shapes our experiences as migrants from the Global South and also informs our practices within Lumbre.

According to Joseba Achotegui, a psychiatrist specializing in migration, migratory grief is an emotional adaptation process experienced by individuals when leaving their country of origin. It is not a singular form of grief but encompasses multiple simultaneous losses in different aspects of life, such as family, language, culture, social status, homeland, community, and physical security. Achotegui defines it as partial and recurring grief, as the loss is not necessarily definitive (in cases where returning is possible, albeit under different circumstances), yet it is never fully resolved, as migration always leaves lasting marks on a person's identity.

Recognizing and naming it allows us to understand how it affects our lives and what strategies we can develop to support ourselves. In this gathering, we propose to move beyond an individual and psychological perspective, integrating insights from psychoanalysis, somatic therapy, bodywork, and artistic practice. We seek to create spaces for conversations about migratory processes, our personal experiences of grief—both among migrants and with those who, while not migrants themselves, are part of our emotional networks in the new territories we inhabit.

To explore different approaches, we have invited a psychologist from the Official College of Psychologists of Catalonia who specializes in supporting migrants and a somatic therapist. They will join Tau Acosta and Diana Rangel, who will share examples of artistic practices based on their personal experiences and a selection of works by artists who have explored this theme. Together, we will create a space for dialogue from diverse perspectives.

This activity coordinated by Diana Rangel and Tau Luna Acosta is part of Trenza, which proposes to generate alliances with collectives, projects and people in the territory who have a long history of work by, with and for the southern migrant community in Barcelona. Based on the idea that art workers are political agents within the city and that in order to open La Escocesa to a specific community, it must be part of the cultural and political fabric of the city beyond the specificity of contemporary art.

The project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

If you have any needs or questions regarding the accessibility of this activity, please, visit the page "access La Escocesa" by clicking here