This series is a part of my extensive research on the therapeutic qualities of photography – as a medium and as a process – which is often central to my photography practice.
These photographs are a reflection and an exploration of the meaning of ‘home’ and the sense of belonging. Having been living for a long time away from my country of origin, I often ‘crave’ the safety of home, to only discover that being back in what I called ‘home’ no longer felt like that.
Engaging in methods like re-enactment and cathartic emotional expression, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery where ultimately, ‘home’ for became the awareness of the need for safety, rather than a physical place—a sense of safety which reminded me of being protected by the womb. ‘Home’ isn’t a physical place but an internal ‘safe place’ or perhaps a search for a memorable imprint of a fragment of safety like the one where I am hiding behind my mother’s skirt.
In therapeutic photography, the process is integral to the end results of the photographs.
This series has been produced using a Canon 5D mark II using a stocking and vaseline to obstruct the lens as well as a double exposure on 35mm film.