Bound by Two Homes

A tribute to the resilience of immigrant children, who carry their heritage with them, creating new definitions of home in the diaspora. In a world full of divides, borders and battles, we need to figure out how we can feel at home wherever we end up.

Bound by Two Homes explores the diaspora experience of feeling in-between identities whilst yearning for connection and belonging. It reclaims our identity, rather than being 'in-between' as whole, showcasing third culture existence with pride.

The series starts from a personal lens as a British born Iranian. In Iran they call me English and in England they ask me where I'm from. Driven by this lack for a sense of place I have blended Iranian cultural iconography, customs and traditions with quintessentially British spaces. This hybridity being represented in a singular art work is a materialisation of a deeply personal journey of self-acceptance. Showcasing both the contrasts and parallels between cultures, how the two parts can be more similar than they lead on (e.g. with general lifestyle customs like having a local shop, relaxing in a communal space, playing board games, being immersed in nature, having a cup of tea) and where within the contrasts we can use each culture to inform the other to create a well-rounded sense of self. Our identities do not need to be definitive and we are not limited to any one place.

The series is ongoing and is in continuation with more diaspora from all backgrounds, photographing first, second, third generation immigrants in places in London that feel like home whilst carrying personal items that feel like home (culturally or emotionally) to show how our sense of self can be tied to so much and representing this with complexity with pride.