Home as Corpus: Chapter Two

For this story, Head of State photographed Mecca Allah, Mai Pham, and Papi Diagne in spaces that reflect their personal interpretations of "home." View the story below, along with their conversations with office on what home means to them.

Mecca Allah, Model and Movement Artist

What does “home” mean to you? Is it always a place? Has it always meant the same thing?

MA— Throughout my life the commonality of feeling at home is when I have been my most genuine self & can be grounded. I think it doesn't have to be a place necessarily but it’s a feeling that comes from within and you just know you're home. That internal feeling has never left and it has always meant the same thing. The places may change, my surroundings may change but that feeling inside is truly distinct. 

When does your body feel like home? 

MA— I think my body will always feel like home, because I’ve always understood it to be a temple that I am existing in. Sometimes your home isn’t perfect & it’s chaotic, but other times it is nourished and warm and it feels good inside.

Does your movement practice have a home? Where did it “grow up”? Where does it feel the least inhibited? 

MA— It doesn’t have a specific home. I think traditionally studio spaces feel good because they’re dedicated to myself and moving my body, but that space is malleable and can be anywhere. The origin of my practice definitely grew up in a studio setting though. The ballet bars, the mirrors, these are my very first memories of understanding movement and that inherently feeling like home. I think it’s the least inhibited when I am just truly free within.

Mai Pham, Video Creator and Creative Director

What does "home" mean to you? Is it always a place? Has it always meant the same thing?

MP— Growing up, I never truly knew the meaning of home. I first moved out of my parents' home at 15 due to problems at the house and found myself constantly moving around. From a small town in Alberta on the West Coast of Canada, after moving 6 times, I somehow made it all the way to the East Coast of the USA in New York City.

It wasn't until I felt homesick being away from New York that I discovered a sense of missing home. Fast forward to the present, I've been living in New York for a couple of years, and I signed a 2-year lease on my place, which is the longest lease I've ever signed. It’s safe to say, I feel confident being here for a while. Recently, I was able to retire my parents and bring them to New York. There's nothing better than coming home to my mom cooking me a hot bowl of pho made with love; I've truly never felt so at home.

When does your body feel like home?

MP— Home is not just a physical space to me, but a feeling that resonates within me. I get overwhelmed very easily, so sitting down to spend intentional time to reaffirm myself through journaling is where I find clarity. I always feel refreshed after journaling. It's amazing to be able to go back to my journals from different periods of my life and read all the manifestations I would journal about and see them come to life. Journaling has become my sanctuary.

Does your creativity have a home? Where did it "grow up"? Where do you feel the most fearless to create?

MP— My creativity grew up on my YouTube channel that I started in 2010 as a kid. Whether it be unboxing toys, streaming myself playing Minecraft, or singing covers online. I grew up expressing myself on the internet. I always feel the most creative when I'm creating a YouTube video. Wherever I go in life, my camera and my community on YouTube have always been there by my side.

Papi Diagne, Model and Rapper

What does “home” mean to you? Is it always a place? Has it always meant the same thing?

PD— Home is where the love is, home is where I became who I am today. Home is where I learned teranga: The act of good hospitality.

When does your body feel like home?

PD— My body tends to feel like home when surrounded and embraced by nature. I promise there is nothing like the roaring waters of the river in my hometown Richmond, Virginia that could keep me calm and his world full of controlled chaos.

Does your music have a home? Where did it “grow up”? Where do you feel the most creative or inspired? 

PD— My music has a strong base in southern roots, looped around the trap vibe, sprinkled with a little bit of a bubbly texture, if I can describe it. I tend to find myself being the most creative when I’m in a place of solitude, whether that be my car, an empty home, or the bathroom. The people that know me could tell you that if I’m really locked in, you will see me in the bathroom for at least 2 to 3 hours. My parents say it’s bad luck. I say it’s a therapeutic shut off.