Looking for a home
by Sofija Brkić, Belgrade, Serbia
In my latest project, I delve into the world of villagers of Gardinovci by capturing their lives within the walls of their homes. I ask each subject a simple yet profound question: 'What do you like best about your life here? ' Their answers, coupled with the photographs, weave a tapestry of personal and collective identities.
Through intimate portraiture, I reveal how each home, while on the outside similar, embodies the personality of its inhabitants. My photographs highlight the diversity and individuality of the villagers, showing how their surroundings reflect their inner worlds.
The project’s focus on typography reinforces this comparison, highlighting both the differences and similarities between the households. Each photograph is taken in a uniform manner, yet my approach to capturing each personality brings out the originality of each individual.
The exhibition itself is an integral part of the project, designed to provide the viewer with a multi-layered experience. Initially, when looking through the window, the photographs appear as part of the interior design, but as viewers enter the space with the photographs, they encounter the personal thoughts of the characters and have the opportunity to leave their own reflections. The structure of the project is simple — one wall has 16 of the photographs on it, the second wall represents 16 of the characters' handwriting (while 2 of them were written by me based on the character’s words), and the third wall has a sheet of paper where I invite viewers to share their thoughts and feelings. This interaction is crucial for me, as it extends my connection to the village into the exhibition space, creating an ongoing dialogue between the artist, my subjects, and the audience.
'I am always looking for a home even when I am at my house.' For me, home is a feeling, rather than a place. This is the reason why the project is called 'Looking for a Home.
Through intimate portraiture, I reveal how each home, while on the outside similar, embodies the personality of its inhabitants. My photographs highlight the diversity and individuality of the villagers, showing how their surroundings reflect their inner worlds.
The project’s focus on typography reinforces this comparison, highlighting both the differences and similarities between the households. Each photograph is taken in a uniform manner, yet my approach to capturing each personality brings out the originality of each individual.
The exhibition itself is an integral part of the project, designed to provide the viewer with a multi-layered experience. Initially, when looking through the window, the photographs appear as part of the interior design, but as viewers enter the space with the photographs, they encounter the personal thoughts of the characters and have the opportunity to leave their own reflections. The structure of the project is simple — one wall has 16 of the photographs on it, the second wall represents 16 of the characters' handwriting (while 2 of them were written by me based on the character’s words), and the third wall has a sheet of paper where I invite viewers to share their thoughts and feelings. This interaction is crucial for me, as it extends my connection to the village into the exhibition space, creating an ongoing dialogue between the artist, my subjects, and the audience.
'I am always looking for a home even when I am at my house.' For me, home is a feeling, rather than a place. This is the reason why the project is called 'Looking for a Home.
