The house
Each accordion focuses on a different aspect of growing up in a Colombian-American home: questioning belonging, what it felt like growing up between two cultures, developing pride for my culture, and the realization that learning Spanish would bring me closer to my abuelitos. When each accordion is opened individually, it presents a chapter of the story. When all of the accordions are unfolded and arranged together, they form the shape of a house. This structure represents the home in which these memories and cultural experiences took place, emphasizing how identity is built through everyday moments within a family space.
TEXT AS FLOOR
Text fragments engraved on the floors reflect the language I grew up hearing, shaping my understanding of home and identity.
IMAGE AS WALL
images on the walls showcase found photographs and memories from childhood.
zines
Four zines are included within the layout to provide space for longer reflections, expanding on the themes explored throughout the house.
Am I Colombian Enough?
Muñeca, you're officially Colombian
I didn't understand, but I understood
That's why I learned Spanish
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to emphasize the importance of preserving cultural memory, and encourage others with similar experiences to reconnect with their heritage in whatever ways they can.
No sabo
No Sabo is a series of small wooden accordion books that reflect on the complexities of cultural identity, language, and belonging from the perspective of a first-generation Colombian-American daughter. The term “no sabo” is often used to describe children of Hispanic immigrants growing up in Spanish-speaking households but do not learn to speak the language fluently.