The German word Pfeilstorch refers to a stork injured by a spear or arrow in Africa while returning to Europe to breed. The first documented case, discovered in 1822 near Klütz, is now preserved in Rostock University’s Zoological Collection. This remarkable finding provided evidence that birds migrate over long distances and challenged myths that prevailed at the time, such as underwater hibernation.

Today, I believe we are all Pfeilstörche, carrying our own “arrows” as we navigate new contexts and integrate the experiences of exile.

The original linocut featured on the poster was created by Belarusian artist V. Sharangovich in the 1960–70s and is part of my private collection. I simply added the story and the arrows.