“Strawberry Blue” traces its roots back to the aftermath of my migration to a country of the European North, where I left behind the comforting embrace of family, friends, memories, and routines.
The images take shape in a park south of my new home, where I found solace for six years by observing its nuances. Intrigued by people strikingly dissimilar to those I usually encounter, I realized that the feeling of not fitting in bound us together. Their names faded into the background, replaced by my own invented nicknames inspired by their stories, scars, tattoos, and resemblances to others. Elvis, Whitey White, Rat-Attacked, and Suntana fostered a warm and genuine ambiance in this place.
This body of work is a testament to the universal human experience in a foreign landscape. Drawing inspiration from Bergman’s symbolic use of strawberries, it invites us to reflect on the transient nature of time and memory, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments that bring sweetness to our lives.
“Strawberry Blue” is my imaginary universe, where I feel I can grow roots again.
