Reflections of Home:
The Monoblock Effect in Screenprint
2D PRINT PROCESSES IN DESIGN
2022
Monoblock Essence
Showcasing the unaltered beauty of the monoblock chair.
In this screenprint artwork, I draw inspiration from the monoblock plastic chair, a symbol deeply connected to my childhood experiences of immigration. These chairs were omnipresent both in Lebanon, my birthplace, and in Australia, my current home.
The monoblock plastic chair holds a captivating aspect known as the "Monobloc Effect" Its widespread use and standardised design make it challenging to accurately estimate the date or location of a photograph featuring the chair. This phenomenon blurs the lines of time and place, turning the chair into a symbol of a generic and timeless design. Found in diverse settings, from weddings and parties to public spaces and street markets, its presence evokes a sense of familiarity, bridging my past memories and present experiences.
Through hand-cut stencils, the screenprints become visual reflections of the chair's significance, allowing viewers to explore the chair's symbolism and its power to evoke a sense of belonging. This journey delves into the essence of the monoblock plastic chair and its profound impact on our lives, inviting contemplation of the connections between past and present, home and foreign, and the universal experiences of immigration and belonging.
images: Salzgeber
PROCESS
Abstracted Familiarity
An artistic exploration of the chair's iconic design while retaining its recognisable essence.
Experimental Connections
Pushing boundaries and capturing the chair's essence in innovative ways.
FEATURED IN BETCHOUF "SLOW SIPS" EXHIBITION
"Slow Sips" is a curated pop-up exhibition by Betchouf featuring South West Asian and North African artists in Australia. The show explores identity, heritage, and migration through slow mediums like sewing and storytelling. The artworks invite viewers to savour the complexities of SWANA culture and its intersection with adopted homes. It's a deliberate, unhurried journey through collective storytelling, akin to sharing cups of tea, weaving together histories and futures.
photography by Max Chahine