Home is an in-depth exploration of my Deda’s (grandfather’s) life as an immigrant from Serbia, who now lives in Canada. The concept of mapping was used in this project to provide a comparative outlook on his life in two places, and also to outline the connection he maintains with his roots. My Deda is currently 82 years old, and immigrated to Canada with my Baba (grandmother) and my mother on May 15, 1970; he was 28, my Baba was 26, and my mother was almost three. This project includes photographs containing archival images from when my Deda lived in Serbia to reinforce the connection with where he grew up. I wanted this series to be a raw and authentic view on his life in both places, while offering a sense of two eras connecting with one another.
Emma Suykens is a Canadian photographer from Dundas, Ontario, currently in the Photography Media Arts program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She produces a wide range of photography styles, including commercial food and drink, product, studio portrait, and documentary portrait photography. Emma has a passion for design, curation, and styling in her photographic practice.