The Eelam Tamil Diaspora has built new homes around the world. Even if we are living in western architectural spaces, there are details inside our homes that manifest our identity and culture. Tiny elements and aesthetic choices make these interior spaces uniquely personal in a way that the walls
could never have predicted.

Heartland

Abirami Logendran

(artist statement cont'd from above)

In a western context, where conformity and camouflage are necessary, these expressions lay claim to traditions that break through the anonymity of the building. Through manifestation of culture in the walls, we create spaces that remind us of home. These walls create a necessary safe space against the diasporic experience that demands a constant introspection in regard to identity.

The four photos presented here are from our apartment in Oslo, Norway. We live in a big apartment building with hundreds of homes and families. The Tamil homes are easily identifiable by the ornaments on their doors such as a Thoranam or a Karthigai Poo. I observed in my childhood home and captured elements such as the small pillayar that amma put in my window and a postcard from the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Two of the images are from the prayer room, where we celebrate Pongal and Navarathri.

About Abirami Logendran

Abirami Logendran (1992) is a graphic designer, artist and mathematician based in Oslo. With an interdisciplinary background, most of her work explores digital culture and transformations in an algorithmic world. She is the editor of the website elements.media. She is currently doing a Master’s in Screen Cultures at the University of Oslo.