The Suitcase
Home. There is so much in this word. But have we ever wondered what a home is? What transforms a space in which we live into it? What is necessary for you to feel comfortable at a place you call home?
"The Suitcase" is an artwork that explores the intangible concept of what makes a physical space feel like a true home. It is a topic that is deeply personal and evocative, as everyone's definition of home is unique and shaped by their experiences, memories, and cultural background. Through this artwork, I delve into the many elements that contribute to the feeling of home, from the warmth and familiarity of personal belongings, to the sense of security and shared experiences with loved ones. This piece invites us to reflect on our own perceptions of home and how we describe it, as well as to appreciate the beauty of the everyday moments that create a sense of belonging in the spaces we inhabit
Look around: are you at Home?
Software and equipment used
3dsMax, Corona Renderer, Photoshop, Quixel Bridge, Substance 3D Painter
30 June 2023
6. The final
I remember my first move; my parents bought an apartment not far from our previous one. We packed our belongings into boxes and suitcases and moved them. But a few days later, I asked my mom, "When are we going back home?" That's when my mom explained to me that we are home and home is where we are all together. It was then that I started questioning what home really meant.
Now, I live in another country, and once again, I am trying to grasp this concept through the experiences of others, literature, and conversations with different people. Sometimes, we can't open our suitcases and feel at home. We live in dreams of going back, not realizing that home is where we are right now. I have tried to gather aspects that help embrace a new place and understand what we need to feel at home.
I hope my work helps someone find the keys to feeling at home and creating a fulfilling, integrated life in a new place.
Thank you to everyone for this contest, the organizers, and the participants!
30 June 2023
5. Security
Feeling secure is one of the most important aspects when contemplating the sense of home. The security of our living space is a basic need, even for animals. We make efforts to protect our homes from threats and often relocate when our dwelling does not meet safety parameters. Our home is our place of solitude, if needed, and a peaceful space for hosting guests. Feeling secure is also closely linked to personal privacy. When you feel safe at home, you can be confident that your private life and personal spaces are shielded from unwanted intrusion. When you feel secure, you can relax, alleviate stress, and simply be yourself. A sense of security in the home creates a cozy and tranquil atmosphere where you can unwind from everyday worries and tend to your emotional well-being. It is a place that radiates reliability, providing strength in challenging situations. It is a place you want to come back to.
30 June 2023
4. Socialization and adaptation
Socialization and adaptation are particularly challenging for individuals who have moved to another country or region. In such cases, the loss of connections is keenly felt by the person. When someone moves to another country, they are essentially changing their entire life, often within a tight timeframe. They have to leave their job and find a new one, change their social circle, and learn the practical, social, and legal aspects of life in a different country. Additionally, they need to navigate their way around a new city, find schools for their children, and rediscover their favorite places like cafes, parks, and so on.
The quality of relationships with others is the most important factor for happiness, and it also impacts one's lifespan. It is difficult to consider a place as home when one feels lonely and out of place. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time in these aspects of life in order to feel at home as soon as possible.
30 June 2023
3. Memories
Memories are intertwined with our personal experiences, relationships, and milestones. They provide a sense of continuity and help us construct our narrative and understanding of who we are. Our memories reflect our values, interests, and the people and places that have influenced us. When we surround ourselves with reminders of these memories, we reinforce our sense of identity and create a space that feels uniquely ours, contributing to the feeling of being at home.
This work features photographs of my family - my son and husband, my grandmothers and grandfathers, great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers. They serve as my landmarks, giving me a sense of unity and identity, even if some of them are not physically present with me.
30 June 2023
2. Food and traditions
Сertain foods and traditions evoke nostalgia and bring back memories of home. The aroma, flavors, and rituals associated with traditional dishes can elicit a comforting and familiar feeling. Eating those foods or participating in familiar traditions can transport you back to your childhood or remind you of significant moments, creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
30 June 2023
1. Personal belongings and comfort
Comfortable and familiar surroundings can have a soothing effect on our mental and emotional well-being. Soft pillows, warm lighting, a favorite mug, or a familiar scent can help reduce stress and create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Personal belongings often reflect our tastes, preferences, and personality. Surrounding ourselves with things we love and that reflect who we are allows us to express ourselves and reinforces our sense of identity. This self-expression contributes to a feeling of authenticity and being in a space that truly reflects our individuality, making us feel more at home. A house without personal belongings is someone else's house
08 June 2023
0. Introduction
What do we take with us when we move to a new place? When can we call this space home, and why? These questions were on my mind when I started this work. No matter where we go, whether it's to the next street or to another country, temporarily or permanently, regardless of the reasons, we try to take at least something from our "past life." I tried to explore how and when people feel at home, how nomads feel, what people felt when they had to leave their homes for reasons beyond their control. I analyzed historical documents, memoirs, interviews, and works of literature on this subject. It's difficult to feel at home without opening a suitcase, so let's try to unpack it together.
Inspiration: museums of emigration from different countries, interviews with digital nomads, nomadic people, memories of the Second World War and the White Emigration, immigrants.
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