Rethinking Home: Cendrine Marrouat Explores the Spiritual Essence of Place
Because our current world state is defined by constant motion and ever-shifting landscapes, the concept of “home” holds a myriad of meanings. For Cendrine Marrouat, a journey that began with the exploration of Haiku poetry led to a profound redefinition of this fundamental notion.
Reflecting on her experiences as an immigrant, Marrouat discovered that home transcends mere physicality—it is a spiritual sanctuary that resides within the heart. This revelation inspired her to create “The Homes We Seek,” a collection of short stories that beautifully encapsulate this deeply personal interpretation.
Marrouat’s artistic journey also led her to embrace digital exhibits as a liberating platform for artistic expression. Rejecting the constraints of traditional gatekeeping in the art world, she championed the idea that artists should have the freedom to showcase their work on their own terms.
Driven by a desire to create a multifaceted showcase of artistic forms, Marrouat found inspiration in the concept of triptychs. Through introspection and exploration of her multimedia archives, she unearthed a unifying theme: the importance of finding solace and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
With “The Homes We Seek Exhibit,” Marrouat invites audiences to join her on a journey of rediscovery, challenging conventional notions of home and embracing the fluidity of movement and inner dialogue. In doing so, she offers a poignant reminder that home is not merely a destination, but a dynamic process of self-discovery and connection.
As the exhibit unfolds, it serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring quest for belonging in an ever-changing world. Through Marrouat’s vision, we are reminded that home is not bound by walls or borders—it is a boundless sanctuary that resides within each of us, waiting to be explored and cherished.
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In her introduction to the “What does the word “home” mean to you? offering Marrouat gives this introduction:
I started asking myself this question when working on Walks, a series of books paying homage to the Haiku. When I published the last volume, I realized how much my experiences as an immigrant—I moved to Canada from France in 2003—had shaped my definition of the word as a spiritual place rather than just a physical location.
Four years after the completion of the Walks series, I released The Homes We Seek, a collection of short stories that once again celebrates that definition. Every story is an invitation to the reader. An invitation to release regret and anger, so you can be inspired to find your inner bliss.
In the mid-2010s, I took a strong interest in digital exhibits. To me, they offered a great alternative to the gatekeeping that has been happening in the art world for far too long. An artist can present their work in the way they see fit and on the platform of their choice, including their own website.
Earlier this year, I confided in a friend that I wanted to start some sort of showcase involving a mix of several artistic forms. My friend suggested an excellent idea: triptychs. But I still needed a theme.
I began the brainstorming process by looking at my archives of multimedia pieces. Most of them shared the same message: How the foundations of a true home start in the heart. If you can appreciate the little things and learn important lessons from the hardships that are thrown your way, you will always have a home to go/return to.
This is also the idea behind my book The Homes We Seek. Since the title fits the message well, I decided to re-use it.
The Homes We Seek Exhibit seeks to redefine the meaning of home as a place of movement and inner dialogue.” – Cendrine Marrouat
You can enjoy more exhibits and learn more about this dynamic polymath via her website, Creative Ramblings.
