Memorial [ 2024 ]

Memorial project is grounded in the exploration of family photo albums and the hidden narratives embedded within these materials. The project seeks to reconstruct and occasionally narrate these stories, using the albums and photographs from previous generations as metaphorical boxes ready for decoding. These visual archives serve as raw materials for reimagining and recalling what has occurred or remained concealed, paralleling the multi-dimensional and mutable nature of human memory. Just as memory reconstructs facts and phenomena through distortion and manipulation, these photographs and materials can be seen as extensions of our memories. Places often help us recall specific memories. An image of a familiar place can quickly bring past memories to the surface, providing swift access to the details of those experiences. Additionally, places are tied to our emotions. For instance, a house we grew up in or a park where we spent special moments may be linked with feelings like safety, joy, or even sadness. These emotional connections make places strong triggers for recalling memories. In this installation, I’ve used photographs from my family album, taken in the same place but at different times. I’ve digitally removed the individuals from the photos, leaving only traces of their presence. At first glance, the space appears empty, but upon closer inspection, subtle remnants of those who once occupied the scene are revealed. By reconstructing the architecture of the location through my memories, I aimed to create a semi-three-dimensional space of the house’s memories. In this way, I wish to illustrate that places are not just backgrounds for memories but are integral parts of them, influencing how they are reconstructed and interpreted. Additionally, as part of the installation, a pair of headphones will be available, playing ambient sounds from an old family footage. These sounds, aligned with the photomontage and the family archives, will further immerse the viewer, blending the visual and auditory layers of memory and history.