Journey of Memories
Carriage House Theater
Hartford
July 2, 2024
The exhibit Journey of Memories showcases creative works of immigrant women from Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Originally displayed at Trinity College, the exhibit moved to the Carriage House Theater on Farmington Avenue as part of their (im)migration 360 project, described as “an examination of the national and local crises around (im)migrants.”
Hartford has always been welcoming city, whether it was with Puerto Rican and West Indian laborers in the mid-20th century, refugees from the former Yugoslavia during the ’90s, or the current group of immigrants from Asia and Africa. Although the starting point of the people coming into Hartford may change over time, their connection to home and longing for that sense of belonging is constant across all people who come to America to make a better life.
What makes this exhibit special is that the women who created the art on display have focused on the positive aspects of their homes. The nations these brave women came from often appear on the news here, but only in the most negative of contexts. They are alternatively described as poor, war-torn or third world (or its well-meaning but just as pejorative cousin, “the global south”). As Americans we imagine these nations as places only of suffering and strife. But the work of these women, who meet together in a support group, shows the beauty of these places through the eyes of people who grew up there, and who hope to return someday.
Already the wonderful work of the artists is having an impact on people here. Hartbeat Ensemble, which calls the theater home, has hosted local schoolchildren to view the art and then create their own artwork based on their own memories of home. I got a sneak peak at some of the uncompleted artwork by the children, and it was equally stunning to see how local children remember this place, even though they see it every day.
I want to give the women who made this artwork a chance to speak for themselves. The entire exhibit fills one room, and I implore you to find the time to see these beautiful creations in person. But if making it to Hartford is difficult, at least read some of their words and hold them in your heart as I will from now on.
“I stitched my motherland, Afghanistan. The woman in the piece faces backward to symbolize the challenges Afghan women endure, including barriers to education and higher learning. With no universities available for women, the figure looks toward a better future in Afghanistan.”
Malalai Ibrahimi, Afghanistan
“I sewed this house to encapsulate the memories of my family back in our country, both past and present, representing our happiness and comfort. I am grateful for the opportunity to safeguard my home and family, cherishing the moments we share. My deepest hope is to reunite with all my relatives and loved ones soon, as I dearly miss them all.”
Thuraya Mansou Alktefan, Syria
“I chose to make a candle because it brings light and reminds me of the times in Sudan when there was no electricity, and we relied on candles. The candle also symbolizes a prayer for hope.”
Akor Molo, Sudan
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Journey of Memories will be shown at the Carriage House Theater through July 20.
Jamil gets ready for some Independence Day festivities.
