‘Home is lived as well as imagined.’ (Blunt A and Dowling R 2006)
On Our Way Home delves into the multi-layered concept of ‘home’ through archival installation. Ka Yan So (Kelly) draws upon her solo migration journey and family trauma to explore the complexity and essence of belonging. The genesis of this project lies in the shifting political environment in Hong Kong, where the desire for an uninterrupted 'home-space' triggered a migration wave. Kelly, like many other migrants, has struggled with the ephemerality of ‘home’. This paradox of seeking a new place to belong while constantly yearning for the past raises the fundamental questions: What truly constitutes ‘home’? Where do we actually belong?
As the sense of ‘home’ is a lifelong pursuit, especially in the diasporic experience, the act of archiving becomes pivotal in preserving cherished yet fading memories while shaping a resilient self for the unforeseeable future. The installation On My Way Home (2022-) encapsulates Kelly's emotions and reflections of ‘home’ since arriving in Australia, assembling drawings, texts, and everyday objects. It acknowledges the ever-changing nature of interpersonal connections and ‘home’ sentiments, embracing both challenges and growth as integral parts of identity.
Through sharing Kelly’s personal migration experiences and exploring intricate dimensions of ‘home’, this project prompts self and collective reflection on our past, present, and future in a constantly changing world, as well as advocating care and inclusivity for individuals from diverse backgrounds within our community. On Our Way Home not only explores the shared challenges of migrants, but also the quest for self-discovery through art.
