Fabric Book: Black and White print on Muslin, 2023
Undergraduate
"What defines 'homely' and 'unhomely'? 'Unhomely,' translated in German as 'Unheimlich,' is a concept introduced by Freud, known as 'The Uncanny.' The uncanny (unhomely) is a feeling of something strangely familiar yet disturbing and eerie. Family is considered a natural, unquestionable existence, but it can be the most uncomfortable and challenging idea for many individuals. Family members are biologically the closest people to you, yet they could be the last people you confide your deepest thoughts in.
In my exploration, I collected photos of my ancestors, family members, family objects, and my artwork, labeling them in a fabric book to evoke feelings of homeliness and unhomeliness. I felt a strong connection to my great-grandmother, whom I had never seen before, recognizing similarities in our eyes. Simultaneously, I felt like a stranger next to my parents, sparking questions about the boundaries of the concepts of home, family, and comfort."