Documented over two years, Gold & Ashes is a photo series on the people at the heart of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, by photographer and bereaved family member Feruza Afewerki.
Following exhibitions in North Kensington and Hoxton, a collection of photos is being displayed at the National Theatre to mark the sixth anniversary of the fire on 14 June. Alongside excerpts from a poem written by Grenfell resident and bereaved family member Sara Chebiouni when she was 11 years old, the display is a moving tribute to the 72 lives lost and those directly impacted by the tragedy.
Feruza Afewerki introduces the series:
‘Gold & Ashes is a photo series that hopes to bring dignity and honour the true stories of the Grenfell community. Creating this collection has been a journey for me – one of discovering our resilience, connection and hope.
As the Grenfell tragedy unfolded, the mainstream rhetoric was filled with insensitive headlines and political talking points which seemed to never end. But there was another side to the tragedy, a far more important side about the lives of those who lived and loved in Grenfell Tower. The people who walked through the unimaginable and whose humanity, community, spirit and strength held power.
Many have tried to dictate the narrative surrounding the Grenfell Tower tragedy and portray the community in a false light. Many have tried to speak for the lives lost in the tower, their families and friends without turning the lens to those very people. This is at the heart of what Gold & Ashes is – a space for Grenfell’s humanity and stories of truth.
Seventy-two lives were lost but each life was not just a number in a tragedy. That night, hundreds of families lost part of their world. I lost my big sister Amal Ahmedin and my three-year-old niece, Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin. Like many of the Grenfell residents, my sister and my niece were incredible human beings.
Gold & Ashes has been part of my personal healing process. It has enabled me to connect with others who understand and wish to see more done for the memories of their loved ones. Despite everything, this beautiful, diverse and unified community is fighting for justice and accountability for these crimes and is rebuilding from the ruins with such dignity and love.
My hope is that this photo series will highlight the Grenfell community as they really are in their strength and dignity, reminding us that we are more than trauma – a community that I am proud to be part of and one which has held me through some of the most challenging periods of my life.
These photographs are rooted in love, power and truth. May these stories at the very heart of Grenfell move you, provide you with insight and show the true courage of this community.’
Poem by Sara Chebiouni
Grenfell Tower resident and bereaved family member (written when Sara was aged 11 in 2020)
Has it really been six years since the day some of us escaped?
Has it really been six years since the memories I have taped?
Has it really been six years since my heart began to ache?
Has it really been six years since my soul began to break?
Goodbye to my family.
Goodbye to my friends.
Goodbye to my neighbours.
Goodbye to my home.
Has it really been six years since the day of the screams?
Has it really been six years since the visions of extremes?
Has it really been six years since 72 people were snatched away?
Has it really been six years since we thought we were all here to stay?
The 14th June was when we thought they were going to follow.
The 14th June was when we all began to feel hollow.
The 14th June was when was when the community felt the pain.
The 14th June was when the memories became a stain.
Has it really been six years since the banging on the windows could be heard?
Has it really been six years since the community came out in herds?
Has it really been six years since we all began to pray?
Has it really been six years since we wished our loved ones could have stayed?
Imagine if we could turn back time and undo the suffering.
Imagine if we could turn back time and take away the bustling.
Imagine if we could turn back time and did not have to pretend.
Imagine if we could turn back time and take away their end.
Has it really been six years since we could all hear your laughter?
Has it really been six years since the 72 of you went to the hereafter?
Has it really been six years since the vivid memories etched on my mind?
Has it really been six years since it became clear that rules need to be refined?
Has it really been six years since questions are still unanswered?
Forever in our hearts.
The Gold & Ashes exhibition will be displayed at the National Theatre from 14 June – 26 August.
For more information about Gold & Ashes, or to watch the feature length documentary, please visit goldandashes.com