Roots of belonging - the hidden love within folklore
Yoana Cheneva is a graphic designer exploring both digital and analog creative fields, driven by a passion for visualizing the voices and minds of those who speak to the world. Roots of Belonging is an exploration of the quiet, often hidden love for our land and culture—how it’s born, carried, and preserved through generations. Though unseen, this love is woven into the fabric of who we are. Through various artistic and visual expressions, folkloric research, and shared moments, Yoana weaves a narrative that invites us to see, read, remember, and reconnect with the stories that shape our sense of belonging.
The project invites you into a quiet, immersive experience where two short films offer a glimpse into the emotions this journey evokes. Through them, you’ll meet the people who became contributors to the project during Yoana’s journey: their routines, their crafts, their dances, and words, unfolding on screen. Nearby, a book awaits you—its pages filled with the thoughts and voices shared with me. And next to it, the threadwork of her embroidery—an intimate response to everything I saw, heard, and felt. Each part speaks its own language, yet together, they form a shared story of belonging.