I have turned 30 this year, and in the last 10 years I have lived in 5 different countries in 3 different continents. I have learnt to travel light. My experience is by no means special, I know of many members of my generation who are in a similar situation, living in foreign countries. “Home” for us is no longer a given place, it is a construction, something we have to build over and over again, and carry in our backpack always ready for a new destination.
This series of images are part of an ongoing project I have started in Spain, where I currently live. I have contacted other women from different countries who are settled here, and asked them to reflect on their idea of “home” and help me photograph it. I am indebted to all of them for their generosity and insight.
It turns out for us “home” is not a place, nor a collection of objects, but a feeling, a sense of belonging. Some of us achieved that while listening to our favorite song, having a cat on the lap, or letters from dear friends and family. Some find home in photographs, some in gadgets, in the smell of the humid air after a downpour, or in a broken mirror inherited from mum. Being not a physical location anymore, “home” is not limited by the boundaries of a house or a property, and it can come to you anywhere. Home is not something you can put or fit in a duffle bag, but something you carry within always.
This series of images are part of an ongoing project I have started in Spain, where I currently live. I have contacted other women from different countries who are settled here, and asked them to reflect on their idea of “home” and help me photograph it. I am indebted to all of them for their generosity and insight.
It turns out for us “home” is not a place, nor a collection of objects, but a feeling, a sense of belonging. Some of us achieved that while listening to our favorite song, having a cat on the lap, or letters from dear friends and family. Some find home in photographs, some in gadgets, in the smell of the humid air after a downpour, or in a broken mirror inherited from mum. Being not a physical location anymore, “home” is not limited by the boundaries of a house or a property, and it can come to you anywhere. Home is not something you can put or fit in a duffle bag, but something you carry within always.
Yuuri from China. She got a mirror from her mother in China which broke on the way to Spain.
Mardi from the USA. She arrived to Spain 2 years ago to marry a Spaniard.
For her home means the unity of the 2 countries, where she was born and where she settled.
Ana from Ecuador. She came to Spain 10 years ago with a photograph of her grandparents who raised her in Ecuador. Each year she receives a soft toy for her birthday from her family across the Atlantic.
Aram from Korea. Pink colour makes her feel at home.
Rebekka from Germany. When she left lake Chiemsee her friends prepared a box filled with soil and grass from the lake, plus images, stones and a bottle of water so she can construct it.
Kim from Holland. She has been traveling in Spain for several years. She doesn’t have many belongings, just a backpack and her bicycle. She keeps letters from her family and carries the image of her beloved cat. ...and books, always books.
Frederica from Ghana. Home means for her the colorful dresses she wears when going to church on Sundays.
Gabby from Mexico (and USA). Home is in the things she encounters along the way, like popsicles in the grocery store that bring her back memories of her childhood. Or looking in the mirror and in that instance seeing reflected her mother and siblings.
Yanina from Argentina. Settled in Spain with her boyfriend. Always carries her diary with notes and poems. She feels as much Argentinian as Italian. She paints and carries her mate tea everywhere.
Eva from Hungary. Home means letters sent from my family. Reading, or just looking at their handwriting, I feel close to them.
Sakura from Japan. She carries small gifts from her family and friends. Each time she looks at them she feels at home.