Not from somewhere else

“Not from Somewhere Else” explores the theme of identity in the Baltic region — a space where languages, cultures, and histories have intertwined for centuries. The project focuses on people who grew up at the crossroads of cultures, for whom the notions of “one’s own” and “other” have no clear boundaries. Their identity is formed through multiplicity: accents, names, intonations, and generational memory.
The series consists of embroidered photographs, where traditional Baltic patterns blend into motifs from other cultures. Embroidery becomes a metaphor for connection — a soft border where two histories meet. The ornament runs across the faces of the portrayed, symbolising the interweaving of cultural layers and human ties.
By combining photography with embroidery, the artist highlights the closeness between cultures, traditions, and the contemporary moment — between the personal and the collective.
For the artist, the project became a way to reflect on her own sense of belonging and layered origin. Through portraits of others, she returns to the question: can one belong to several worlds at once, and what does it mean to be “from here”?
The series includes embroidered portraits and a mirror piece that brings together the colours of the three Baltic flags. The project was included in the UNESCO MONDIACULT Digital Library as a significant study of identity and cultural connection in contemporary art.



BALTIC ORNAMENT (on the right):
Rhomb with branches – a protective symbol meant to strengthen ancestral ties. The side branches represent the four cardinal directions, the flow of energy, and the connection between the spiritual and the material worlds.
Eight-pointed star – a powerful protective symbol placed at the center. It represents cosmic connection and the presence of ancestral spirits, symbolizing inner strength, peace, and light.
V-shaped motif – often used as a corner element, it links the lines of ancestors and descendants, emphasizing continuity and heritage.