I AM HERE POSTER
Spring 2023
Academic
PRO 7444: Non-Professional Practice
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Instructor: Oana Stanescu
Academic
PRO 7444: Non-Professional Practice
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Instructor: Oana Stanescu
In the language of Serer, an ethnic group found in West Africa (primarily Senegal), common greetings are embedded with spatial markers. The response to “na fi’o?” which is their equivalent to “how are you,” is “mixe meen,” which directly translates to “I am here.” While greetings are exchanged routinely without further delving into their meanings (like our automated response to “how are you” as “I’m good” or “I’m fine”), the phrase “I am here” struck me. Not only does it equate our physical presence of “being here” with “doing great,” but it is a succinct proclamation of my wholly being here, in body, mind, and spirit.
After graduating from high school in 2012, I embarked on a year-long trip to live in Senegal, West Africa, before beginning my university studies. In the beachside village of Palmarin Ngounoumane on the southern coast of Senegal, I lived with a host family and volunteered at the local preschool and high school, immersing myself in the Serer peoples’ culture and language. While there were countless trials and tribulations as an 18-year-old dropped off in a remote village, surrounded by an unfamiliar people and way of life, it was undoubtedly one of my most formative years to date. Without instant access to the internet at all times, I had to adjust to an entirely new pace of living. To be entirely present. To step out of my comfort zone to engage with strangers. To practice a language where my tongue awkwardly tripped over unfamiliar sounds. To sit quietly with my thoughts. To find other forms of emotional outlets. To be here. “I am here.” This mindfulness of the present—of who/what/where/how/why I am—is a practice I have sought to carry through other aspects and chapters of my life. The poster features 2 photos taken on a disposable camera while living in Senegal. Film photography can also allow us to be wholly present and here, in contrast to smart phone or digital camera photos. |