Five Possessions Located in My “Closet”

Jillian MacKnee

Five Possessions Located in My “Closet”

According to my roommates and I, it is known as the “closet.” It is painted in “boring hospital beige” with careless black smudges in a variety of places left by its previous inhabitants. The smell is floral, like the reminiscence of rose scented incense. There are sounds of shuffling songs; a mix that includes every genre except for country - and the melodies of reckless driving fill the “closet” walls at night.

When entering the “closet,” one may feel the rigid edges of the many picture frames that fill the beige space, or the faux sheepskin between their toes as they stand in the center.

The “closet” may be a derogatory term that makes people think of cramped and dark spaces, but to me, the “closet” is my own, individual space of solitude. It is my favorite place in the house and I believe that the bedroom, mine given a distinctive nickname, holds one’s possessions that influence his or her identity the most. Here is a look into not only my place of deep slumber, but also some of the goals, passions and values that it holds.

A Book Shelf.

When entering the “closet,” the largest piece of furniture, besides the double bed, is a rather awkward piece. Without the wooden protrusions, the collection of historic and modern art texts, travel guides and famous articles would not be show cased. With intentions one day to acquire a library full of visual literacy, this is where I go for inspiration.

12x18 Inch Photographs.

One may be a little curious about the various eyes and elaborate landscapes that stare at them from the space above the bed. This once empty wall is where faces from far away destinations are housed in frames serving as memories from travels and people that were met along the way.

30x32 Inch Panels.

One will notice two large sheets of wood, which are an inch and a half raised off the wall. On top of the wood, in thick, abundant layers, acrylic paint depicts an image as it hangs, waiting for a viewer’s critic. With my paintbrush guiding my hand, it becomes “more about possibilities, not solutions,” (Tiravanija).

Hiking Backpack.

Off to the side, slouched, lonely and unused in the winter months - lies a bundle of thick material. The home to my belongings on long travels and hikes is a necessity when one acquires a passion such as mine. With imprints and wear from worldly countries, the bundle must stay off to the side until the opportunity arises to strap it on again.

A White Ipod.

It is otherwise known as “the device that spurred Apple Inc.’s resurrection,” (Akkad, Marlow). Sometimes it carries the melody of a classic rock song, and other times the strum of a banjo rings. Regardless of the type of sounds chiming out of the device, music will be filling the non-soundproofed walls at all hours of the day - regardless of neighborly dismay.

With the knowledge that you have gained about my “closet,” I hope that you will take from it the window into identity one’s possessions can be.