Edition of 20. Susan Aldworth has a background in philosophy, and a strong interest in investigating the workings of the human mind, especially consciousness and our sense of self. This print is a direct and emotional response to her installation Belongings, which reflects on her grandmother’s migration journey from Italy to London in 1924.
Belonging is a mixed media print which speaks about migration to evoke empathy and understanding of this very human condition which is part of so many family histories. The dress is relief printed on top of two plate lithographic layers – the bottom layer shows historic family photos, and the second layer is handwritten text hidden in the folds of the fabric, dusted with gold powder. There is a tiny heart dusted in gold dust in the bodice of the dress, to suggest the physical and emotional life of a migrant, particularly a small child like many of those seeking sanctuary today.