We Were Humans Before We Were Migrants is an exhibition by Newcastle-based photographer Heji, documenting his time being housed in Napier Barracks while seeking asylum.
Napier Barracks is a disused military base that has been used to house asylum seekers since 2020. Despite the conditions in Napier being described as prison-like by the High Court, and repeated promises to close down the site, Napier remains open and the model of housing people in institutional accommodation is expanding. 
Heji provides a first-hand account of the dehumanisation caused by the hostile environment. With the rise of far-right violence and the increasingly punitive government policy towards of refugees and asylum applicants, Heji’s stark works present a much-needed counter-narrative.
What kind of society treats human beings this way?
We want to create a space for sharing, conversation, safety, and action — centred on protecting one another as human beings.
There will be a preview on 15 November and a day of workshops on resisting the hostile environment as a community on the 22 November.

Peace and Solidarity

If you are interested in helping out (e.g. making or distributing flyers, sharing ideas etc) please get in touch via info@starandshadow.org.uk