Maryam
Ghasempour Siahgaldeh

The birth of solitude

"The Birth of Solitude" captures the emotional and psychological journey of immigration, documenting the transition from vibrant memories to the stark reality of starting anew. Initially, the colorful images reflect the richness of the life left behind, with my shadow and photos of family and friends symbolizing cherished connections despite the distance. These moments represent living in two worlds—the past, filled with warmth, and the future, fraught with uncertainty—as we strive to preserve memories from fading away.
As the series unfolds, the colors fade, replaced by black-and-white tones. Empty frames and blurred self-portraits symbolize the gradual erosion of memories and the sense of isolation that comes with leaving home. The final images confront the loneliness of starting over, where the past fades into shadows, leaving only the self to navigate a new reality.
Through this project, I explore the emotional complexity of immigration as both an ending and a beginning—a journey marked by loss, adaptation, and resilience. The Birth of Solitude reflects the universal struggle to find an identity and belonging in a world reshaped by change, balancing the weight of the past with the promise of a new chapter.