Searching for Sanctuary: award-winning photographer's new exhibition at State Library Victoria

The human face of asylum seekers arriving in Australia by boat is at the centre of a compelling new exhibition at State Library Victoria. Searching for Sanctuary showcases the work of double Walkley Award-winning photographer Barat Ali Batoor, who documented his exile from Afghanistan and year-long journey to Australia.

The exhibition includes over 170 photographs taken by Batoor, as well as film footage of the boat journey from Indonesia. Searching for Sanctuary is the only known photo documentation of an asylum seeker's journey from exile through to settlement.

Considered Afghanistan's most esteemed photographer, Batoor was working for the United States embassy in Kabul when The Washington Post published his expose on Afghanistan's trade in dancing boys. Batoor received death threats and was forced to flee his country. For a year, Batoor endured people smuggling and border trafficking to cross 5 countries, eventually gaining asylum in Australia.

Batoor's groundbreaking photographs present a life-affirming journey of courage and determination in the face of insurmountable odds and are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Speaking of the plight of asylum seekers, Batoor said: "Nobody wants to leave his or her country as an asylum seeker, leaving behind family, friends, business, career and everything behind. You're walking into an unknown situation where anything can happen to you, including your own death.

My intention with this exhibition is to document the untold stories of my people to give voice to the voiceless. My life has been touched by the compassion of friends and strangers who believe in bringing hope to a hurting world."

State Library Victoria CEO Paul Duldig said:

"Searching for Sanctuary is not just about Batoor's experience. It is about the thousands of people who are forced to leave their homelands and seek asylum in another country. The journey undertaken by Batoor is reminiscent of many peoples' experiences when seeking asylum in Australia.

"We are proud to have Batoor tell his story here at State Library Victoria as part of the RISING Festival and hope visitors will come and experience his search for sanctuary."

Searching for Sanctuary is a free exhibition in the Keith Murdoch Gallery, opening from 1 June to 5 October 2024 in partnership with RISING Festival.

Interviews are available with Barat Ali Batoor on request.