Library Project Space Exhibit

“This work is a direct response to my relocation to Qatar from the United States. Upon moving here, I began to question my inherent idea of what home looks like. I became interested in the blocky, geometric villas (houses) in my compound (neighborhood). While I experienced feelings of dislocation, I found peace in the golden sunsets and cool shadows cast upon the landscape at sunrise and sunset. My sketchbook practice became a way of observing and reflecting on these new surroundings, recording the way light reflected upon the villas. These drawings became the foundation for this series of screenprints.

“The meditative act of printmaking, in this experimental style, allowed me to reflect on the imagery and build each composition organically. Each print is a monotype (unique print) using a set of silkscreen matrices, allowing me to further explore color, line, form and composition. The act of deconstructing and reconstructing the home image became a metaphorical and literal act of assimilation.

“As an artist, my practice has always provided me with a sense of identity. Previously, while living in Virginia, my work was a reflection of national and local politics. After arriving in Qatar, it was important for me to begin a new body of work which documented my life as an expat in order to adapt and find purpose here. Through this process of drawing, printing, deconstruction and reconstruction, I processed my location and changing ideological understanding of home.

“This reflection on home created a therapeutic foundation to stand, allowed me to establish myself as a local artist and find necessary purpose. The studios at VCUarts Qatar provided me with the essential time, space and community to make myself feel at home. My practice has allowed me to process emotions, adapt and assimilate to expat life.” -Charlotte Rodenberg