Small Lock and Key

Unknown

ca. 2007

Metal

3.2 x 1.8 x 0.6 cm (lock), 2.5 x 1.5 cm (key)

Personal collection

This lock did not play an exceptional role in my childhood; it was rather a background element of my life that grew to mean more to me. While it has personal significance, it also speaks to the naivety of childhood. It has a strong connection to my own past and the value I place on privacy, as well as changing standards of childhood.

It is unknown exactly when this lock was given to me, but I would estimate it to be around 2007, when I was in elementary school. I used this lock and others like it to secure things that were important to me, such as my jewellery box or suitcase when travelling. Obviously they wouldn’t have kept out with anyone with malicious intent, but they were enough to make me feel safe. As well, the objects I secured would not have been desirable to the average thief as they were mostly childhood objects, like stickers and plastic beads. The lock itself was not what was important, but rather the objects they protected.

With hindsight, the lock is a strong indication of my mentality at the time. It is obviously inexpensive and insecure with components that do not quite fit together and have rough edges. The key is common, as there were several similar weak locks on the market at the time. The lock was not very effective at protecting valuables, but it was more of a symbol of security rather than actual security. I was naïve that this lock would protect me at all. As a child, all you do and own is under the scrutiny of your parents. Having these small areas of privacy felt very mature.

Also clear is that as a child, the smallest and most inconsequential objects could have the most impact. This lock represents such a sense of value and how it may be invested in everyday things. Today, with phones, any person can have a completely private digital world which has taken on a heightened importance at this moment of isolation when objects cannot be touched or shared. For me, however, nothing can replace physicality and the connection I had with insignificant objects and today similar values have transferred to more significant things.

Chrisoula Vergis