‘‘BEYOND BORDERS in ZANZIBAR: Challenging Boundaries - Connecting community, culture identity and environment’’

- in collaboration with STAWI for 1 month residency program -

Motivated by a deep desire for meaningful travel and a commitment to building authentic connections with communities, I joined the STAWI Residency Program in Zanzibar, which began in early November and will conclude on December 6th. This residency has offered me the opportunity to engage with local traditions, explore the unique relationship between people and their environment, and understand how cultural identity evolves and is shaped by the surrounding landscape.

The project I’ve been working on challenges conventional perceptions of space and time, going beyond borders in every sense. It explores both the tangible and intangible connections between community, tradition, and the environment, reflecting on how these relationships intersect and influence each other. By delving into local values and practices, the project highlights the collective awareness of ecological and social responsibility deeply embedded in Zanzibari culture.

Through a Sensory Participatory Ethnographic Approach, I have combined ethnographic research with creative, mixed-media methods—including photography, sound, and visual art. This methodology has allowed me to co-create with the local community, documenting their sensory experiences, cultural practices, and interactions with their environment. The work has celebrated Zanzibar’s unique cultural connection to place, shedding light on how the environment influences not just daily life but also broader social and ecological values.

This project is an ongoing exploration, with each day contributing to the evolution of its shape and meaning. As I continue to observe, interact, and collaborate with the community, the project's direction is constantly unfolding. I invite you to follow this development on a daily basis through my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oanaparaschiv/ , where I share updates and reflections in real time. For a more in-depth, weekly overview of the progress, check out the newspaper feed on this website.

Stay tuned as this exciting journey continues to evolve!