The enchanting and evocative composition "Shoebox" by the Turkish-Canadian electronic duo Tonkaya sherst / Тонкая шерсть delves into the profound emotions of homesickness and the fragile essence of self-assurance experienced by those who were compelled to leave their homeland in 2022 due to war and the suppression of free thought in Russia. These individuals carefully packed cherished possessions, like Polaroid photographs and a delicate porcelain dinosaur, into small 'shoeboxes'—humble treasures capable of imbuing any space with a comforting sense of home. As this new wave of emigrants disperses across the globe, they grapple with a yearning for their homeland while simultaneously seeking to forge their identities in unfamiliar territories.
"Shoebox explores homesickness after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It follows my journey and fellow emigrants. Despite our locations, 'shoeboxes' filled with photos, books evoke a sense of home."
Review by Thomas Imposter