A large-scale installation titled 'Dreams in Transit' has been unveiled on the facade of the Procuratie Vecchie in Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, featuring 100 black-and-white portraits of migrants photographed from behind. The project, launched on Wednesday in collaboration with Art for Action and The Human Safety Net (a foundation funded by Generali), takes inspiration from French street artist JR’s Inside Out project but reverses the perspective. Inside the building, a complementary exhibition includes works by Leila Alaoui, Lorraine de Sagazan, Anouk Maugein, Ange Leccia, and a sound installation by Sarah Makharine, all focusing on migrants’ dreams and resilience.
The installation matters because it uses public art to humanize migrants and draw attention to their aspirations and struggles, aligning with a broader trend of socially engaged exhibitions in Venice. By partnering with NGOs and emphasizing integration through work, the project leverages art to foster empathy and highlight individual stories of courage, contributing to ongoing cultural conversations about migration and social justice.