At various moments in our lives, many of us find ourselves questioning where our true home is and where it should be.
The experience of being an immigrant can uniquely shape one's understanding of home. Immigrants often face the painful remark of being told to "go home" by their neighbors, prompting many to reevaluate their perceptions of home as a mental and emotional space rather than just a physical one.
Vida has also grappled with these questions. In her work, she has come to see the body as a portable home—a place where one always belongs. As a printer, she uses her craft to broaden the concept of home. By bringing wood type from Croatia to the United States, she has established a studio that transcends geographical boundaries and creates a sense of belonging.
Her practice will be showcased through the development and production of her work titled “Home Body Land,” which was printed at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum. This series consists of four large prints, each measuring 58 inches high and 44 inches wide, with an edition of four for each print. Each print features large wood type from Hamilton’s collection, hand-inked and printed on white Stonehenge paper. The prints draw inspiration from her writing and her teaching practice with immigrant students, who play a crucial role in shaping her approach to this project. Vida will discuss their contributions to the ideas that form the foundation of this work.
“Home Body Land” will be part of the exhibition "Making an Impression: Immigrant Printing in Chicago" at the Newberry Library, curated by Jill Gage. The exhibit opens in December 2024. In her presentation, Vida will reference the artists and materials featured in the exhibit and highlight their work.
