Poster campaign in MV: "We are not afraid. We show our faces"

A photography campaign titled “We Have No Fear. We Show Our Faces” has launched in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, aiming to highlight the diversity and resilience of its residents ahead of the state elections. The initiative, organized by photographer Sabina von Kessel, features portraits of individuals from various backgrounds, professions, and communities across the region. The first 100 posters were hung in the towns of Malchin and Gielow on Wednesday morning, with more planned for distribution across several key cities including Neustrelitz, Greifswald, Rostock, and Schwerin. The campaign includes 3,750 posters, each showcasing a different person from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, accompanied by quotes such as “Colorful instead of brown,” “Ability is international,” and “Love is stronger than hate.” These statements reflect the project’s focus on promoting inclusivity and countering far-right narratives. Von Kessel designed the posters to resemble traditional election banners, yet they emphasize authenticity over political messaging. One observer reportedly questioned where the associated party would appear on the ballot, highlighting the subtle yet powerful nature of the campaign. Von Kessel, who was born outside Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, has deep family ties to the region, with ancestors buried in local cemeteries. She spent many years working in international development cooperation, including 12 years in India and two in South Africa with the African Union. Her return to Mecklenburg-West Pomerania was motivated by her belief that development work is needed everywhere. The photographs capture individuals in their everyday environments, often under challenging conditions. For instance, she photographed Kathrin, a farmer, during a February day marked by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Despite the harsh weather, the session revealed the hard work and dedication of agricultural workers. Other subjects included Nouga Nouga, a teacher in Sternberg originally from Cameroon, and Stephanie D., a cleaner in Schwerin. Each portrait was taken after meaningful conversations, emphasizing the importance of personal connection in the photographic process. One notable encounter took place in Parchim, where von Kessel met Mehmet S., an imam and owner of a food stall. On a particularly cold day, he invited her into his shop for tea. After discussing his work and the large Kurdish community in Parchim, she asked for permission to take his photograph. This approach underscores her commitment to building relationships before capturing images. Von Kessel emphasizes that the intensity of a subject's gaze determines whether they are selected for inclusion in the campaign. She believes that photography is inherently political, focusing on forming connections rather than merely documenting appearances. The portraits aim to convey confidence and strength, as seen in the image of 88-year-old Rita A. from Neustrelitz, depicted swinging on a swing with an appearance of raising a fist. The campaign seeks to counter the rise of right-wing sentiment through peaceful means, aligning with the movement “zusammen bewegen,” which prefers dialogue over confrontation. While not explicitly opposing the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the initiative promotes diverse forms of protest. For example, the group “Omas gegen Rechts” from Greifwalde was photographed against a spray-painted backdrop, symbolizing contemporary resistance to extremism.