Fragments of Home
Sometimes in life, events unfold that are beyond our control - unwanted, unexpected, and irreversible.
This project tells the story of an Iranian refugee who, driven by a desire to learn, explore, and grow, she left her homeland with the hope of returning. But return became impossible. A warning from the authorities in Iran made it clear: what began as an educational trip to attend a workshop in a different country, made her a target for the Iranian government, and placed her life and liberty at risk. Going back meant persecution.
Faced with a life-altering decision, she chose to seek asylum. What she carried with her was not much - just a backpack, a camera, and a few small objects: quiet reminders of home, family, and friendship. Yet within her, she carried something more enduring - hope.
This body of work is both a document and an offering. It explores the emotional landscape of exile: the grief of forced departure, the uncertainty of in-between spaces, and the strength required to rebuild. Through photography and video, I trace this journey - not only of physical migration, but of psychological transformation.
“Fragments of Home” is a deeply personal story, yet it’s themes resonate far beyond the journey of one woman. It speaks to loss, hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of community. Through adversity, she discovered solidarity and support. The community that once lifted her up empowered her to uplift others - working alongside fellow refugees, raising awareness, and helping to forge new spaces of connection and belonging.
This work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconsider what it truly means to be displaced - and to begin again.