Jën Rekk (Just Fish)is a project initiated by the association, Portes et Passages du Retour, which was conceived of  first and foremost with the aim of doing something in the city of Joal-Fadiuth that could have an impact on the mentality of the people who live there. This town has long been targeted by non-profit organizations bringing standardized “development projects” in the form of a standard package. The aim of the Jën Rekk project is to present development in a different light, to encourage the people to define it by using a creative approach. "Jën" (fish) is the major preoccupation of the people of Joal-Fadiouth, home to Senegal’s largest fishing port.  

 

Senegal is facing a major problem with the disappearance of fish in Senegal and on the West African coast caused by  the illegal overfishing by oversized fishing vessels from Europe, China and Russia.  Local artisanal fishermen are finding it hard to find fish because of these ships and are increasingly forced to go far out to sea in search of fish.  Many are unfortunately losing their lives in the process.  Our association initiated this project in order to bring public awareness to this very serious national problem. Jën Rekk, was also created in a symbolic effort to aesthetically return the fish to the town of Joal-Fadiouth by creating visually impressive images that can transform the town's facade.

We have also involved the population, so as to enable them to embrace the concept as their own by making direct contributions to the production of the works.  An objective is also to contribute to the development of the living environment. We've additionally involved pirogue painters. Senegalese fishing boats are known for the colorful imagery that decorates their exteriors. Joal-Fadiouth's fishing  boat  painters are among the commune's local artisans, their imagery being a part of the local landscape. We wanted to expand the creative repertoire of these painters by transferring their imagery to the walls of the city.