Lucie Minfir


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I was born in 2007 to a mother from Paris and a Guyanese father. The question of identity has always been at the heart of my thinking, which is why I chose to explore the theme of my origins for my IB Art project. As someone with a strong multicultural heritage, I wanted to use art to highlight the links between the different cultures I come from. My work is based on the idea that identity is an important part of life, and that's why I've always been interested in it. Canvas and thread are constant in my work as a representation of long-term human relationships. The accumulation of several elements represents different times, in other words, different marks of memory and identity. This project allowed me to do a little research on myself. I found some valuable stories I didn't know about, which I discovered in conversations with family members, by recalling specific memories. This project helps me to better understand who I am today.

My inspiration comes from the idea that our origins are fluid and constantly changing. Identity is not only determined by our ancestors, but also by our personal experiences, interactions, and feelings. The textures layered on mixed materials reflect this interaction and show the cultural heritage that results from it. Through this project, I wanted to pass the message that we have to appreciate our heritage and origins. I wanted to show parts of my heritage in my work, more than just an overall identity. Some of my works tell things about the different cultures in my family, and others are just personal memories. I have selected materials that have essential meaning for me; almost every part is important. The madras fabric evokes my father's culture, and the tufting rug, made of soft materials to imitate handwork, reminds me of the comfort and coziness of a home and where I come from. Connection is an important theme in my work. The red thread between different parts of the piece reflects the links that are still present between generations. The stones painted with the flags of my native countries symbolize my roots and heritage.

I've also incorporated objects from my daily life, such as family members' clothes that belonged to them, remembering the people who used to wear them. They celebrate shared moments and tell the family story as a generational experience. I wanted to give a more artistic dimension to these traces, using practices such as cyanotype. The calligraphy of my first name in several languages shows the variety of my roots and the importance of cultural transmission. With each piece I've made, it's a bridge through life and the past. I've explored the different influences that have made me who I am. The question of origins is universal. By using different art forms, I wanted to create a layered viewing experience so that viewers could discover my work in their own way.

The organization of my works in the exhibition space has been created to guide the viewer through my history and origins. Most of the works will be hanging on the walls, creating a fluid visual flow. They are placed in such a way to show an evolution, like a journey through my identity. The painted stones will be placed on the ground to represent solid foundations. I made this choice to encourage the viewer to look down to observe them better, reinforcing the idea of deep links with the past and origins. I used different materials and textures to create contrasts between memories, traditions and the construction of identity. For example, the red thread present in two of my works symbolizes transmission and the invisible links between generations. The tufting rug, with its relief and colors, brings a tactile and lively dimension, highlighting the importance of touch and material in memory and family heritage.

My goal is for every viewer to experience the richness and diversity of my roots through my work. I'd also like them to reflect on their own history and what connects them to their family and origins. My exhibition is an invitation to question ourselves about the roots and to celebrate the diversity of life's experiences.