Diana Tishchenko

The project “Emigration” tells the story of forced relocation caused by war. It reflects the challenges of adapting to a new life and the struggle to create a sense of home even in the most modest circumstances.

My personal experience became the foundation of this project. Together with my family, I was forced to move to another country. Our first shelter was a dormitory— one small room with a toilet and a sink. The shared kitchen and bathroom for all residents were difficult to use emotionally, so we adapted the toilet into a multifunctional space: a kitchen, a shower, and a restroom. We lived in these conditions for four months.

This period became a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the fight for comfort, even in the toughest situations. The project captures this moment to tell a story not only about physical relocation but also about the emotional journey of a person striving to preserve themselves and their family in an environment of uncertainty and limitations.

“Emigration” is an attempt to showcase the reality of those who were forced to leave their homes and a reminder of the value of home, even in its simplest forms.

The project uses pillows as a symbol of the subconscious, visualizing the inner world of a person through objects placed on or near them. Pillows, typically associated with sleep and rest, become a tool for metaphorical expression of thoughts, emotions, and memories. Each object positioned on the pillows—fruits, vegetables, everyday items—takes on symbolic meaning, telling a story about certain aspects of the human inner world, hidden feelings, and dreams.

The main goal of the project is to demonstrate how the subconscious creates metaphorical images through simple and familiar objects. The project aims to inspire viewers to reflect on their inner world, encouraging them to explore their own thoughts and emotions through associations with the presented objects. It also shows that even the simplest things can carry profound meanings when viewed from a different, symbolic perspective.