The imaginary grandparents
Marie Zolamian

This work is a continuation of the painting series nous partout (2007–2008).
For me, "nous partout" (“we everywhere”) became a symbol of hybrid identity: the crystallisation of a cultural mix, the search for a lost family network and the reconstruction of a lineage from fragile, valueless fragments.
In 2015, I wanted to extend the life of this series.
The invitation to "Grandchildren" (group exhibition in Istanbul, September 2015) gave me the opportunity to stage a dialogue between the central figure of the paintings – the grandmother – myself, and the city of Istanbul.
I met twelve elderly Armenians from Turkey, grandparents I could have had.
I gave each of them a disposable camera and asked them to photograph their neighbourhoods, streets and daily surroundings. Once the films were developed, I met them again and recorded the stories they told me about these images.