As two former refugees themselvesHafez from Syria and Badr from Iraqthis is an issue close to their hearts.
WithUnpacked, the public is able to view, listen, and judge for themselves after learning first-hand information.
Unpackedwill be on view at the University of Madison-Wisconsin from February 5, 2020 to March 15, 2020.
How did the collaboration between you and Ahmed Badr come about?
The project started with Wesleyan University, where Ahmed Badr is a student.
So the truth is that Wesleyan University put us together and we decided to do this project.
How wasUnpackedconceived and whats the creative process for making each piece come to life?
Unpackedwas conceived as ten suitcases, nine wall pieces, and one big installation.
So we picked people from all over.
Ahmed might ask the family questions that I’ve requested as I sat taking notes and drawing.
So, as a sculpture artist, I was fishing for architectural details that they would allude to.
The families had no idea why I was asking these questions.
Of course, I knew that I would go back to my studio and attempt to recreate that space.
How do you feel that your own background helped inform the final product?
Ahmed came here as a very young man and went to the school system.
I also came here to study architecture.
I am, by profession and practice, a full-time architect.
So I came here at about 17 years old and I’ve been here for about 20 years.
I am an American citizen now.
It allows me to be able to select something that would intrigue the average Joe.
Then you go to the placard on the side and you learn more about the family.
What was the most challenging, and the most rewarding, part ofUnpacked?
So that was the biggest challenge.
What can you tell two different people from two different sides of the world about this family?
The work is not for sale.
It will never be for sale.
So it’s just made to raise awareness and travel around the country telling these stories.
Photo: Rodney Nelson
Photo: Rodney Nelson
Is there any particular story or room that stands out for you?
I think Ayman and Ghena’s story is really interesting.
And I asked him Well, how long has it been then?
And they said, It’s been six years.
This was in an interview two years ago.
So now it’s been eight years since they’ve left.
Or why is that family being perceived as a national homeland security threat?
What do you hope that people take away fromUnpacked?
I hope people will see the common denominator that connects us all.
We’re not trying to romanticize refugees, but trying to humanize them.
I’m not telling people what to think or what to do.
But here are 10 families, make up your mind.
Chances are 99.9% of the people are like me and you and everybody else.
If we can educate beyond that, I think we should do our responsibility in educating tomorrow’s politicians.
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