Samara Khurana
This photo series explores personal identity through everyday objects that hold meaning in my life. As an international student, these objects are especially important to me because they remind me of home, comfort, and familiarity in a new environment. Instead of photographing people, I chose to focus on objects to show how identity and presence can still be communicated without the human figure.
Each object represents a different part of who I am. Items like the blanket and slippers reflect comfort and routine, while objects like the necklace and Ganesha statue connect to my cultural background and personal values. Other objects, such as the mug, earphones, and claw clip, represent small, everyday moments that may seem ordinary but are actually a big part of my daily life.
I was inspired by the work of Ishiuchi Miyako, who captures personal belongings in a way that reveals memory, absence, and identity. Her work showed me that objects can hold emotional weight and tell stories about people without directly showing them. I tried to apply this idea by focusing on simple compositions and natural lighting to make the objects feel personal and real.
Overall, this series shows how ordinary objects can carry emotional meaning and reflect who we are. Even though I am physically far from home, these objects help maintain a sense of connection, identity, and belonging.