Jeremy Skirrow, From Hope to Hardship: Venezuelan Migrants at Plaza Mayorista (DOCO 2025)

In recent years, the Venezuelan migration crisis has displaced over 8 million people, many of whom have sought refuge in Colombia. At Plaza Mayorista in Medellín, a bustling market, young Venezuelan men work long hours under demanding conditions in hopes of a better future. These workers embody both resilience and vulnerability, their lives shaped by grueling physical labor, tenuous financial stability, and the emotional toll of separation from their families. Their hands, marked by dirt and hardship, reflect the enduring optimism that drives them forward despite the adversity they face. Each tattoo, scar, and callus carries a story of perseverance and hope, etched into the daily grind. For many, the decision to migrate comes at a profound personal cost. Young fathers, barely more than boys themselves, leave behind their children and partners in Venezuela, bearing the weight of their absence as heavily as the sacks of produce they haul through the chaotic market corridors. These sacrifices are matched only by the fleeting camaraderie they find with one another—a shared moment of rest, a quiet laugh after hours of backbreaking work. Yet, even in moments of respite, the precariousness of their situation looms large. Cramped, overcrowded living conditions blur the lines between survival and stagnation, while the ever-present uncertainty of irregular work leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. Some workers turn to small games of chance, risking their scant earnings in hopes of a quick win, while others find solace in substances that momentarily dull the weight of their struggles. These coping mechanisms, born of desperation, highlight the relentless pressures of their existence and the lack of meaningful support systems. This series captures the intertwined threads of resilience, sacrifice, and systemic inequality in the lives of these young migrant workers. Through these images, their stories of hope and hardship emerge, challenging us to confront the labor exploitation and human cost that underpin the pursuit of opportunity in a foreign land.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.