Pretend You Are Home is a personal project that explores the complex and shifting concept of belonging. Following my recent move to live on my own, this series delves into what "home" truly means — whether it’s a place, time, people, or even objects.

Home can feel both simple and elusive. It’s where you seek comfort and safety, where others welcome you, and where the things you choose to surround yourself with create a sense of identity. It’s the walls you’re hesitant to paint, the screen of your laptop, your body, or sometimes, none of these at all.

While places can offer warmth and people can express love, a true sense of belonging doesn’t always follow. This emotional dislocation led me to reflect on my own surroundings, seeking to understand what “home” really is for me — now, in this moment, and in the space I create.