Sara Ghaben
A Home Built Out Of The Rubble You Made Of Me
Installation
2023
My thesis, Titled "A Home Built Out Of The Rubble You Made Of Me," explores the concept of home in relation to my Palestinian Heritage and how, since the exile of her people in 1948 from their homeland, Palestinians in a diaspora will continue to hold their connection to Palestinian identity close to them, no matter where they end up in the world. In my thesis, I use the imagery of a suitcase to depict the forceful evictions of Palestinians from their homeland. The suitcase can be opened and closed as the imagery of a traditional Palestinian home resides inside. I also use the craft of embroidery and traditional Palestinian Motifs to embellish the 3D collapsible house to signify how Palestinian culture and traditions are still prevalent, no matter where Palestinians end up in the diaspora. The choice of motifs I chose to use to adorn my house are motifs that signify objects that are present in everyday life, as Palestinian lives are more than a political topic that the media paints us out to be; we are a people who have complex and yet ordinary lives, just like everyone else. The mundane, everydayness of Palestinian lives is not something that the media talks about. Around the suitcase, rubble, in contrast with greenery, is present to signify that no matter how our houses and land are destroyed, Palestinians can still make a home anywhere. Keys are also significant symbols in Palestinian history as Palestinian homeowners hold on to their keys to preserve and prove their right to return to their homes. On the key, there are keychains of each prominent motif present in the house and what it means.
“My thesis aims to showcase the diaspora fragments that make us Palestinian, no matter where we end up. The commitment and struggles to hold on to our identity make us Palestinian. ”