A workshop by Chebo Roitter Pavez with 6 Million+
Inspired by heartfelt expressions of longing, affection, and care in the letters and papers of refugees in Holocaust Centre North’s Archive, this creative workshop was a chance to reflect on how we remember and think of loved ones we miss. Guided by artist Chebo Roitter Pavez, participants from our partner organisation 6 Million+ created visual material in the form of (Christmas/Holiday) cards. The workshop took place at Holocaust Centre North in December 2024 and provided participants a supportive and safe space to explore experiences of separation, loss and displacement.
“It was amazing actually we, because you know, it gave us a mental treatment, that we have not been forgotten, yet still we have some connections back to our home country. Because the host community, they are recognising that we have to be part of this new community and be engaged and to be socialised with this new environment. Particularly, you know that for children it is quite important that they want to grow up with the new community and live within the new values and also value and respect diversity.
Its just so amazing and I’m so happy for that.“
– Afghani Refugee Hotel resident with his family
Participants shared their stories and ideas within creative discussions and were supported in manifesting their thoughts into paper. Their cards and any visual material created were scanned in by Chebo and will feature in a collaborative magazine. Particpants learnt about editorial and artistic techniques e.g.: image/text production, layout, and cover design. They explored the art of making a magazine and learnt that it is a shared endeavor going beyond the mere collecting of separate contributions.
“This group has been very supportive for our family and we have friends who can help and here we can [translated by son], we can talk about our past with other people it’s hard doing it without tears but we try.” – Ukrainian refugee with her family
“We enjoyed meeting different people with different cultures and it is nice to meet you.” – Syrian refugee settled in Huddersfield
In the second workshop participants will combine their personal reflections with archive material, focusing on the ‘weird and wonderful’ experiences of settling in a new country. The finished publication, edited by Chebo will be presented in the context of Memorial Day and will be a part of a bigger set of prints showcased at Sunny Bank Mills in June.
A heartfelt thank you to Chebo and 6 Million+ for this incredible day.
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Chebo is a visual artist, graphic designer, writer, and editor from Buenos Aires. Since 2016 he co-directs the art book publishing house Bucle Editorial. Bucle has participated in several international fairs in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Los Angeles, Milan, São Paolo, Rio de Janeiro,
Athens, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. Their books can be found in important institutions such as the Kandinsky Library at Centre Pompidou, Printed Matter in New York, and Banner Repeater Archive in London.
He teaches Editorial and Graphic Design, Aesthetics, and Latin American Art in high schools. Chebo has given workshops at community centers, art residencies, fairs, universities, and exhibitions. Some places include Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen, Feira Plana São Paolo book fair, and the University of Buenos Aires. As a professional designer, he’s worked within different cultural industries including cinema, theater, publishing, and the arts.