“nostos” is a greek word meaning “returning home.” many think that “nostalgia” comes from the compound of two greek words, “nostos” and “algos” which together mean “the pain of returning.” although the origin of the word is greek, its use as a term in the sense we know today dates back to the 17th century when a swiss physician coined it to describe the homesickness suffered by the soldiers he was treating. soldiers who were far from home would burst into tears upon hearing even the slightest melody associated with Swiss folklore. some attempted to flee, and some even died.
learning about this etymological journey relieved my intense feelings toward my beautiful hometown, which i was obliged to leave without ever returning.
since i first read her book la nostalgie: quand donc est-on chez soi? ulysse, énée, arendt, barbara cassin’s question has been echoing in my mind for years: “when is one at home?” in order to respond to this question from various perspectives, i have worked on several “home” projects through different media, ranging from video to photography and scrapbook practices. but in september 2025, something in me whispered that i should return to the place i had avoided the most. the city from which i was excommunicated, where i had been forbidden to go ever since i left. after ten years, i returned to collect the ashes left behind by my shell, my family home.
this project aims to allow viewers to make these memories their own or at least to evoke similar feelings within them. because i believe that our minds are our shells and the path back home passes through feeling intensely.
