This project aims to shed light on Venezuelan migrants searching for home. So far more than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela. This makes it one of the biggest migration crises in the world. Many countries have experienced an influx of Venezuelans crossing their borders, with big numbers in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. My family left Venezuela in 97’ in search of better opportunities and security. We’ve had our challenges as migrants, and this makes me acutely aware and interested in other migrant stories.
In 2019, during one of my yearly trips to visit the maternal side of my family in Manta, Ecuador, I met an unusually high number of Venezuelans. I had conversations with many Ecuadoreans who were not supportive of the increase of Venezuelans living in their town. They said crime had increased and it was straining the economy. What I noticed was a lack of empathy to the Venezuelans who had no other choice but to leave their homes. I sought out the opportunity to get to know these migrants and share their story.
I met many migrants on the beach. They played traditional Venezuelan drums while some danced. Others sold food on the streets. Numerous families were housed in the only migrant shelter in Manta. I spent a few weeks documenting the families that passed through. There were gay couples as well as young families expecting more children. Nobody was alone. They loved and supported each other through their journeys traveling together by foot. They were bound by their search for home, purpose, belonging, nourishment and safety. Through witnessing their resilience and strength, while on the other hand struggles and vulnerabilities, I created these photographs with the intention of portraying Venezuelan migrants in a humane and dignified light.