Brainstorming:
To begin this project, I began by breaking down what an actual ID consists off. I paid attention to what I thought was missing from the ID, I found myself interested in how the concept of identity relates to me, specifically the lack of identity that I exhibit. Another element that interested me, was a hologram on our school ID with the word “secure” written all over it. This made me think about the correlation between security and identity. I chose to explore the aforementioned concepts in my work and began to brainstorm some ideas.
Preliminary Iterations:
Originally, I wanted to use fake blood for this project but I found that it was too opaque and would cover up the key. I experimented with a variety of liquids; I used a mixture of baby oil, water, and food coloring but it the liquid separated. Eventually, I settled on using the diluted strawberry syrup as it exhibited the transparency and color that I desired.
The scale was also altered throughout my project. I originally wanted to make the key an average-sized key but according to the feedback I received, I decided to use a bigger key in order to make the audience question the unusual size of the key.
Feedback from both the teacher and student has also lead to further iterations. I decided to remove the cap from the box, this way I portray a sense of hope for the Palestinian community. I also decided to write the word secure in Arabic on top of the key, to further draw the audience’s attention to the piece.
While I was taking pictures, the key fell off. It was a happy accident as I felt like the key in that position was a more accurate representation of my concept. Therefore, I did not attempt to reglue the key.
Final Composite and Statement:
Secured is a multi-media sculpture that explores displaced Palestinian’s lack of identity and security. In this piece, the Palestinian right of return key, what remains of Palestinians’ sense of belonging, swims in a sea of collonialism. Boxed away and out of reach, the key reads آمن (English: secured), further emphasizing on Palestinians inability of achieving a sense of belonging and security as they’re unable to put their keys to use.
