"A Home Built Out Of The Rubble You Made Of Me" explores the concept of home in relation to my Palestinian Heritage.
Context
Since the exile of the Palestinian people in 1948 from their homeland, Palestinians in a diaspora will continue to hold their connection to Palestinian identity close to them, no matter where they end up in the world.
This installation aims to showcase fragments of our commitment and struggles to hold on to our Palestinian identity.
Imagery
I use the imagery of a suitcase to depict the forceful evictions of Palestinians from their homeland.
The suitcase can be opened and closed as the imagery of a traditional Palestinian home resides inside.
I use the craft of embroidery and traditional Palestinian Motifs to embellish the 3D collapsible house to signify how Palestinian culture and traditions are still prevalent.
The choice ofmotifs I chose to use to adorn my house are motifs that signify objects that are present in everyday life.
Sentiment
Palestinian lives are more than a political topic that the media paints us out to be; we are a people who have complex and yet ordinary lives, just like everyone else. The mundane, everydayness of Palestinian lives is not something that the media talks about.
Key Symbolism
Keys are also significant symbols in Palestinian history as Palestinian homeowners hold on to their keys to preserve and prove their right to return to their homes. On the key, there are keychains of each prominent motif present in the house and what it means.
Installation Displayed At:
- 108th OCADU Graduate Exhibition
- In The Middle Exhibition
- Nuit Blanche: East Danforth (East End Arts)