Working with writer Ahmed Badr, architect and sculptor Mohamad Hafez listened to the stories of refugee families living in the United States. As two former refugees, Hafez from Syria and Badr from Iraq, they listened and created this incredible set of models, as if each shabby suitcase tells the story of their respective families.
Each model created by Hafez is packed into a suitcase and serves as a symbol of these families moving on to new life. Due to war or civil strife, these rooms contain only remnants of their former life. Hafez often spent six to seven hours listening carefully and sketching during interviews. Using the details of his observations, the narrators memory is shaped into a visual representation.
Hafez and Badr hope to build a bridge of understanding between East and West through the combination of sound and vision. Too often, the American public only hears about refugees in a negative light through third parties. With this series of works "Unpacked", the public can view and judge for themselves after having first-hand information.
