The Unfamiliar Other: Unsettling Even Among the Familiar

In our daily lives, we often find comfort in the familiar—the routines, the places, and the faces that make up our world. Yet, every now and then, something or someone disrupts this sense of normalcy, creating a ripple of unease. This phenomenon is portrayed in my photographic artwork, This Is All Lovely And Wonderful, which explores the profound discomfort that arises when the unfamiliar intrudes upon the known.

Human beings are creatures of habit. We find solace in what we know and understand. Familiar environments, people, and routines provide a sense of security and predictability. This is why home feels safe, why we frequent the same places, and why we often seek out the company of those we know well. Familiarity breeds comfort, and within this comfort, we can relax and be ourselves.

While the unfamiliar can be unsettling, it also holds the potential for discovery and transformation. By welcoming differences and stepping beyond our comfort zones, we open ourselves to richer, more diverse experiences.