What does it mean to belong to two places, yet fully to neither? For many growing up in the diaspora, this sense of in-betweenness—a constant balancing act between identities, languages and cultures—is part of everyday life. “In Iran they call me English and in England they ask me where I’m from,” says British-Iranian artist Bea Dero. In her debut solo show Bound by Two Homes, she brings this experience to life through photography, print and archival material, capturing the emotional complexity of existing between two worlds.
Born in London to Iranian immigrants, 23-year-old Bea grew up distancing herself from her Iranian identity—a reaction shaped by the lack of positive cultural representation around her. Despite her heritage, she was never fully accepted as Iranian in Iran, having never lived there. The project became a way for her to explore and begin healing this sense of disconnection.
Launching it on Nowruz was no coincidence; it symbolized the deep connection to her roots. By making this choice, Bea signaled her newfound intention to carry her heritage forward in her own way—as a way to preserve the culture passed down to her and proudly share it with a wider community.
At Hackney Gallery, where the exhibition was held, she placed a haftsin table on the windowsill, deliberately ensuring that it was incorporated into the show, transforming it into a piece of art itself. The spot by the window also naturally drew people in from the street.
The transformation of this vision into a physical experience was made possible through a collaborative process. Bea worked closely with Miroslav Radu, founder of the art agency Green Table and his team, who co-curated and co-organised the project with Bea from concept to execution—shaping its spatial design, gathering partners and supporting the overall production. “As a member of the Romani diaspora, I found a personal connection to Bea’s work,” says Miroslav.
That sense of collective belonging was further reflected in the many contributors who helped shape the show. Sound artist Nazanin Zand curated a layered soundscape of Iranian archive sounds, nostalgic sounds from films, poetry and even the noise of cars beeping in Iran. Thames Carpets added a classic red Persian rug that brought warmth and tradition into the space. During the Nowruz opening, Iranian restaurant Berenjak served tea and desserts, while wellness brand Drink Unai provided grounding mushroom-based drinks in collaboration with Berenjak’s tea. On the final day, Rose Eskafi, founder of Still Chill, led a somatic healing workshop followed by the ritual of painting eggs.
This collective effort turned Bound by Two Homes into more than just an exhibition—it became a living, breathing space of connection, healing and shared experience. Through the contributions of artists, collaborators and the wider community, Bea’s exploration of identity and belonging reached beyond her personal journey, inviting others from diverse backgrounds to reflect on their own places of origin, roots and the complexities of navigating multiple worlds.
In embracing the contrasts between her Iranian and British identities, Bea shows that home isn’t confined to a single place, but is something we can create for ourselves wherever we are.