From fieldwork to frames: Insights from an auto-ethnographic comic on the French-Italian border of Ventimiglia

Abstract

This paper examines The diary from the border: Ventimiglia, an auto-ethnographic comic based on intensive fieldwork in the Italian border city of Ventimiglia from September to December 2018. The primary objective of my empirical research was to explore the socio-spatial effects of France's reintroduction of border controls in the area since 2015, mainly targeting irregular mobilities within the European Union (EU). This study presents the auto-ethnographic comic by delving into two crucial aspects. Firstly, it illuminates the rationale behind utilising an auto-ethnographic comic as a research output, shedding light on the creative process involved in its conception. Secondly, it explores its composite narrative plot, encompassing three key elements: ‘me’ (the researcher's personal experiences extending beyond the fieldwork), ‘me in Ventimiglia’ (the researcher's encounters during the fieldwork), and ‘Ventimiglia itself’ (the French-Italian border regime). By fostering a trans-disciplinary dialogue encompassing migration issues, comics and life course theory, this paper enriches the geographical debate in three significant ways. It recognises the profound impact of the researcher's life events in shaping both research experiences and outcomes within and beyond the fieldwork. Additionally, it underscores the importance of auto-ethnographic comics in challenging dominant narratives and visually portraying the multifaceted experiences of migration. Lastly, it contributes to the ongoing discussion on visual methods within geography and advocates for using comics as a compelling tool to disseminate research findings, fostering empathy and a comprehensive understanding of migration experiences.