Dollhouse Fragments
Dollhouse Fragments is a participatory installation that invites people to reflect on what makes them feel safe. Visitors at the Inner West Art Fair were asked:
Think of something that makes you feel safe.
Pick up a light fragment.
Optional: add a mark, word or drawing.
Find the dollhouse and place your piece inside.
Over three days, these fragments slowly filled the house, transforming it from shadow to light. Each gesture became an act of care, a collective attempt to build a shared home from memory, safety and belonging.
This work extends my ongoing exploration of home, light and emotional connection, themes that appear throughout my paintings Called Home, House Across the River and Steps to Let Go.
Take your time. This is to be done at your own pace.
Day 1
Tiny hands placed one of the first pieces into the space, guided by the warmth of her mother.
A garden began to sprout.
A heart was placed in the home.
The Greek word “EIεHXIA” appeared at the tip of the roof beside a bold, “honourable” orange fragment.
Day 2
The chimney began to gather light.
A name of a loved one appeared when it was placed beside another, “Joy,” forming “Rose Joy.”
We remembered comforting shows: Housewives.
Tiny visitors stayed longer, lingering to wonder and explore.
One of the pieces on the roof had the word “Spirit”, placed there to guard the home.
Day 3
By the third day the house glowed. There was light in every room, even in the hidden crevices, where some of us feel safest.
Light scattered across the roof like constellations.
We whispered names of those we love: “Hello Olive,” “My Cat,” “Ringo.”
Love, family and joy echoed through the walls.
The bottom floor stayed emptier, peaceful for some, less safe for others.
Reflections
It truly took a village to create something like this. People of all ages contributed by choosing, marking and placing their fragments of light into the dollhouse with care.
By the end, the dollhouse was more than an installation, it became a living vessel for warmth and memory. This is proof that home can be built collectively, piece by piece.
Thank you to everyone who took part in Dollhouse Fragments at the Inner West Art Fair! I’m still in disbelief at how much light and love filled this little house.
Artist: Serena
Helping hands: Marce, Amy & Tara (light fragment stickers) | Lisa, Hannah & Chara (guides who helped visitors through the experience) | Duy (transportation)