"Echoes of Home" is a visual poem that invites the viewer on an exploration of my Armenian roots. This journey delves into the layers of identity, heritage, memory, and displacement. As a young girl, leaving my homeland was a turning point that radically changed my world and left me feeling uprooted. This dislocation shaped my identity, creating a rift between my past and present selves.
The film explores nostalgia not just as a longing for the past but as a deep existential longing for connection and belonging. It reflects on displacement and the ongoing struggle of belonging. Returning to Armenia, I confront the reality that my old self, shaped by early experiences, has changed.
Through a blend of improvisation, tradition, and symbolism, "Echoes of Home" captures the complexity of being Armenian. Central to the film are my family members, whose stories and traditions form the foundation of my understanding of self and heritage. Symbolic elements in the film illustrate the connection between past and present. Viewers will experience a mix of visual and auditory scenes that embody the enduring spirit of the Armenian people, the challenges of displacement, and the resilience needed to reconnect with a transformed heritage.
Through "Echoes of Home," I hope to spark conversations about the complexities of identity and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in an ever-changing world. It is my ode to Armenia, to the land of my ancestors and the source of my inspiration, as well as a reflection on the struggles and transformations that shape our identities.
Echoes of home | 2024
44 DAYS | 2022
“The project ‘44 days.’ is a conversation with the past, an intimate and personal trauma of being helpless and paralysed. It arose from a deeply personal experience when my homeland, Armenia, faced a sudden and devastating war. This immersive three-screen video in- stallation invites viewers to step into the heart of those days, where helplessness, disappointment, and fear echoed through voices.
The project’s core lies in secretly recorded conversations with loved ones in Armenia. These dialogues capture the collective emotional response to a nation in turmoil. Through ‘44 Days,’ I aim to create an empathetic connection with the audience, offering a window into the profound impact of a homeland in crisis.
Massamba (2021)
Massamba (2021) project began as an exploration beyond my comfort zone. While researching Senegal, I became captivated by its dances, rich culture, and expressive movement. My curiosity led me to Mass Dialo, a Senegalese dancer living in the Netherlands.
Through Mass, I discovered a shared experience—two people from different backgrounds navigating life in a new country, finding identity through art. For Mass, dance is a way to reconnect with home, to forget the struggles, and to feel alive. Despite our language barrier, the connection through movement and storytelling was stronger than words.
This project reinforced my passion for working with diverse cultures and telling stories that bridge worlds.
