Yoav Horesh

Artist Statement

In the past few years, the United States has accepted hundreds of thousands of African, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian refugees and asylum seekers to become lawful American citizens and productive members of society. Unfortunately, many of them are experiencing great difficulties in adjusting and relating to their new environment and community.

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The state of New Hampshire’s population is over 90% white and I found these migrant and African communities nearly invisible and often looked down upon by their new neighbors. Several NGOs have stepped forward in the absence of government assistance and support to make sure these individuals and families are integrating into the fabric of America and have the means to support themselves and their families with dignity.

“ORIS” (Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success) includes a collective of immigrant farmers called “Fresh Start Farms.” Since last year, I have been involved with these project farms on several tiers alongside my photographic practice (i.e. photographing for their promotional purposes, planning workshops/classes for the framers at NHIA, and establishing a fundraising exhibition event in spring 2019). I strive to help make their work appreciated and supported using my large-format camera and being engaged with their work and life on the farm on a weekly basis.

Margarita (Burundi) 2018, Photograph — *Margarita (Burundi)*, 2018, Photograph

Sidi in His Corn Field 2018, Photograph — *Sidi in His Corn Field*, 2018, Photograph

Mishaki (Burundi) 2018, Photograph — *Mishaki (Burundi)*, 2018, Photograph

Artist Biography

Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Yoav Horesh has exhibited internationally in galleries and museums in Germany, Italy, Israel, the United States, Sweden, Russia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Peru. Yoav’s work has been featured by Amnesty International, as well as in magazines, art journals, and websites across three continents. He has given public lectures and artists talks in art schools, universities, and galleries in the United States, Israel, China, and Europe.

Since 2001, Horesh’s work has been concerned with history, conflict, memory, ethnicity, and multiculturalism. His projects have taken him to the American southwest, Germany, Laos, Israel, the Gaza Strip, Bolivia, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia; places where history still shapes and influences current events and daily life.