In Limbo Embassy is a moving embassy that represents refugees in limbo, following the movements of the we are here group; a group of refugees in limbo, gathered in Amsterdam. In Limbo Embassy is a neutral meeting place that travels to people, creating direct contact between citizens and asylum seekers. The Embassy is moving through Amsterdam. From public squares to different neighborhoods.

From April till July 2015 WOW showed the pictures of the refugees in her Green Gallery, combined with project information on In Limbo Embassy and the project PRINTED MATTERS. The latter questions whether and how applicants can contribute to society since for refugees “in limbo” it is not allowed to work. The right of press freedom enables them however to work; they were allowed to sell printed matters in public space. Also the unclear boundary between what can be regarded as ‘art’ and what can be regarded as `labor` provides an opening for the asylum seekers to work under the freedom of expression. PRINTED MATTERS shows a series of silkscreened official portraits and a directed silk screen performance. A performance that allows the applicant within the gray area of the law system to contribute to society.

In Limbo Embassy is the graduation project of Manon van Hoeckel. After graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in December 2014, she continues the project with the members of We Are Here (refugees in Limbo) in 2015. See also Inlimboembassy.org and our interview with Manon. 

Photo’s by Alexander Popelier