The exhibition’s central theme revolved around the emotional, beautiful, painful, and happy backgrounds and resolutions of those who left their homelands for new opportunities. Participants were invited to share a safe memory from their home country, creating a collection of stories that were both personal and universal.
On this project, I led the design aspects of the “Home Away from Home” exhibition. From June 2023 to March 2024, the exhibition beautifully portrayed the journeys of individuals—refugees and immigrants—who embarked on a new life in the United States, bringing with them objects and memories from their home countries.
Capturing the essence of each participant, I photographed individuals holding their cherished objects. The posters, adorned with vibrant images, featured significant quotes collected from interviews with Dagemawit Kebede.
The challenge lay in harmonizing the colorful array of objects and individuals to create a cohesive exhibition. The result is a visual symphony where diverse backgrounds and belongings share a common thread, evoking a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Opening during Thursday’s Holidays and Traditions Around the World event, the exhibition resonated with the University community. On display in the UBalt Student Center Lobby, “Home Away from Home” stirred emotions and fostered a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the UBalt community.
You can watch the full reel at https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0chb_BJdUV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Lohaine goncalves 