Because our current state of the world is defined by a constantly moving and ever-changing landscape, the concept of “home” has myriad meanings. For Sandrine Marua, a journey that began with the exploration of haiku led to a profound redefinition of this fundamental concept.
Reflecting on her experience as an immigrant, Maroua realized that home is more than just a physical place, it is a spiritual sanctuary that exists within her heart. This revelation inspired her to create her short story collection, The Homes We Seek, which beautifully encapsulates her very personal interpretation of this.
Marua’s artistic journey has also led her to embrace digital exhibitions as a liberating platform for artistic expression. She rejected the constraints of traditional gatekeeping in the art world and championed her idea that artists should have the freedom to present their work in their own way.
Driven by a desire to create a multifaceted showcase of the art form, Marua found inspiration in the concept of a triptych. Through introspection and her exploration of her multimedia archives, she has discovered a common theme: the importance of finding solace and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
and “The house we want exhibition”, Marua takes the audience on a journey of rediscovery, challenging traditional notions of home and embracing the fluidity of movement and inner dialogue. In doing so, she poignantly reminds us that her home is not just a destination, but a dynamic process of self-discovery and connection.
As the exhibition unfolds, it serves as powerful evidence of the transformative power of art and the enduring quest to belong in an ever-changing world. Through Marua’s vision, we are reminded that home is not bound by walls or borders. It is an infinite sanctuary that exists within each of us, waiting to be explored and cherished.
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In her preface, she asks, “What does the word ‘home’ mean to you? Mr. Marrouat introduces:
I started asking myself this question when working on Walks, a series of books paying homage to haiku. When I published final volumeI realized how much my experience as an immigrant, who immigrated to Canada from France in 2003, had shaped my definition of the word as not just a physical place, but a spiritual place.
4 years after completion, Walks seriesreleased the house we want, A collection of short stories that celebrates that definition once again. Every story is an invitation to the reader. An invitation to release regret and anger and find inner bliss.
In the mid-2010s, I developed a strong interest in digital exhibitions. For me, they provided a great alternative to the gatekeeping that has been practiced in the art world for far too long. Artists can present their work in any way they see fit, on the platform of their choice, including their own website.
At the beginning of this year, I confided in a friend that I wanted to start something like a showcase that combined several art forms. A friend of mine suggested the great idea of a triptych. But we still needed a theme.
I began the brainstorming process by looking through my archives of multimedia works. Most of them shared the same message. That is, how the foundation of a true family begins with the heart. If you can appreciate the little things and learn important lessons from the challenges you face, you will always have a home to return to.
This is also the idea behind my book the house we want. The title fit the message perfectly, so I decided to reuse it.
The ‘Homes We Seek’ exhibition aims to redefine the meaning of home as a place of movement and inner dialogue. ” – Sandrine Maroua
You can enjoy more exhibits and learn more about this dynamic polymath through her website Creative Ramblings.
All photos/images courtesy of Cendrine Marrouat