Daniel Trivedy
Film and still frame courtesy of the artist.
Sounds from a Watery Grave, 2015, film.
The shores of the Mediterranean have long been a favored holiday destination for Europeans, but beneath the waves one of the tragic stories of our times is unfolding.
In 2014, it was estimated that 3000 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe. This number is due to rise as people continue to flee from the civil war in Syria and oppressive regimes in Africa and the Middle East.
While searching for news reports about migrant crossings, I came across some footage shot by divers from the Italian Fire Service. The footage shows the wreck of a vessel that was attempting to carry migrants from North Africa to the Italian island of Lampedusa before it capsized killing all those on board. There is an unnerving sense of calm and ethereality in the footage that belies its darker character. As if still in transit, there is an uncanny nature to the bodies who appear temporarily caught in an unfamiliar and disorienting environment.
Sounds from a Watery Grave, 2015, film still.
Sounds from a Watery Grave combines natural and man-made underwater sounds with edited elements of the diving footage. The resulting work is designed to heighten the discord between the abject subject matter and the viewer.
Daniel Trivedy was born in the South East of England and completed a Fine Art degree at Swansea College of Art. Being the son of immigrants, Daniel has always had an interest in colonial history. Daniel works through a variety of mediums and responds to themes relating to connection, belonging and global citizenship. Daniel has completed residencies in Wales and India and has been involved in solo and group shows in the UK and China. Daniel is currently based in South Wales, UK. www.danieltrivedy.com