Seba Kurtis

Biography

Seba Kurtis (born Argentina, 1974) grew up in Buenos Aires under a violent dictatorship regime. He studied journalism and was a political activist. In 2001, Argentina fell under economical and political crisis, he left for Europe and remained in Spain as an illegal immigrant for over five years. This experience became the main inspiration for his work - an exploration of the dynamics behind irregular migration and the resultant impact on culture, society and the individual. Now he lives in the UK. Seba completed his Masters in Fine Art at London College of Communication and became a member of the POC project. His work has been exhibited widely, including New York Photofestival, Noorderlich, Host Gallery, Sifest, Images Vevey and Krakov Photomonth. Seba's photographs have also appeared in various publications, including FOAM magazine, Foto8, Little White Lies, The Sunday Times and Wire, amongst others.

For more information, visit Seba Kurtis' website here

Artist Statement

Immigration Files documents stories of immigration, from North Africa to Europe in the case of the series Drowned and A Few Days More, and from South to North America in 700 Miles. The chapters explore the dangerous journeys and new roles undertaken as an illegal immigrant, as witnessed through Seba Kurtis' own experience. The Immigration Files are shown alongside ShoeBox, a set of Kurtis' family photographs distorted by water damage. They were the only belongings to survive after repossession during the economic crisis and their departure to Europe.