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    From the series "Life in Limbo" | DER GREIF
    From the series "Life in Limbo"
    DER GREIF

    Der Greif X FUTURES: 3 questions to Ilir Tsouko

    Article 

    We're pleased to introduce Ilir Tsouko as one of the talents nominated by Der Greif to join Futures in 2024. Tsouko was nominated for his series "Life in Limbo," which portrays Afghan refugees hosted at the beach resort Rafaelo in Shengjin, Albania, after being evacuated in August 2021. The photographs capture the juxtaposition of the comfortable surroundings and the refugees' uncertainty about their relocation to the U.S., emphasizing the complex emotions of gratitude and frustration within their unexpected circumstances.

    Ilir Tsouko is a visual storyteller (photography and film) who was born in Albania, grew up in Athens, and is now based in Berlin and Tirana, Albania. He is working on long-term projects revolving around the perception and creation of identity with its ever-changing shapes. Ilir's work has been published by DIE ZEIT MAGAZIN, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Arte TV, among others. Ilir's work has been exhibited at the Helsinki Photo Festival, 9. f/stop - Festival für Fotografie, Humble Arts Foundation in New York City, and Space 52 in Athens. He won the IJ4EU- Investigative Journalism for Europe in 2021.

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    Der Greif: Your project "Life in Limbo" is a personal narration of the Afghan refugees located in the Albanian beach resort Rafaelo back in 2021. It presents a constellation of just some of the individual stories that make up the many refugees who were moved to an unknown territory uncertain of their future. What was your approach to getting to know those people you connected with and their story through images?

    My approach was to spend a significant amount of time at the Rafaelo beach resort, getting to know the refugees on a personal level. I visited the resort multiple times, which allowed me to build trust and rapport with the individuals and families there. By engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and simply being present, I was able to understand their emotions, hopes, and fears. This connection enabled me to capture intimate and genuine moments that reflect their experiences. The photographs aim to go beyond documenting events; they seek to highlight the human condition and the complex emotions of living in limbo.

    Der Greif: How do you primarily research and learn about the contexts you immerse yourself in for both your personal and commissioned projects?

    Research is a crucial part of my process. For both personal and commissioned projects, I begin with extensive background research, which involves reading relevant articles, reports, and books. I also connect with experts, local contacts, and communities involved in the context I am exploring. While on location, I fully immerse myself in the environment and engage with people to gain firsthand insights. Observations, interviews, and spending time with the subjects assist me in developing a comprehensive understanding of their lives and the larger context. This thorough approach ensures that my work is well-informed, respectful, and authentic.

    Der Greif: Is your work in any way connected to your personal and familial history?

    Yes, my work is deeply connected to my personal and familial history. I was born in Albania in 1990, during a time of great upheaval as the last communist country in Europe began to change. When I was six years old, my family migrated to Athens, Greece, where I grew up facing the challenges, struggles, and freedom of being a foreigner. These early experiences of migration deeply impacted me. At 24, after completing my studies in Greece, I moved to Berlin, Germany. This transition brought back many memories of my parents' lives as migrants in Greece, and now I find myself living between Tirana and Berlin, with occasional stays in Athens.Throughout my 34 years, I have dedicated myself to searching, understanding, analyzing, and reflecting on how migration and identity shape our lives. While migration can offer a new sense of freedom, it often leaves one feeling in a state of limbo. My personal journey helps me empathize with my protagonists on a deeper level, allowing me to translate my own instincts and memories, as well as those of my family, into my work. This connection enables me to tell their stories with integrity, compassion, and authenticity. My commitment to social justice and giving voice to the marginalized is a reflection of my values and beliefs, making my storytelling both personal and universal.