"I explore how the self and notions of identity are shaped in relation to space and place. My practice centers on themes of displacement, memory, and identity, using the physical and symbolic act of moving mountains to reveal the layered physical, emotional, and symbolic dimensions of displacement. Displacement, in this context, involves shifting an object from one place or context to another. When an object is relocated to a space where it traditionally does not belong, questions arise: Why was it moved? What meaning did it hold in its original context, and how does its significance transform in the new environment?

I reflect on the complex relationships between the self and the diverse places that shape our identities, a paradoxical interplay where absence and presence intertwine through movement. By juxtaposing personal narratives with the experiences of daily life, I seek to challenge conventional notions of belonging. My work aims to navigate the tension between longing for connection and the process of establishing a sense of home, particularly after undergoing relocation." (Elmira Yousefi)