“TO INSTALL UNREMEMBERED,
TO REINSTALL A MEMORY.”
- Hala Hachem
Unremembered, 2022
6 booklets, 3 x 5 in, Epson matte photo paper
"Unremembered" delves into the intricate interplay of human perception, memory, and space, drawing inspiration from texts such as "Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience" by Yi-Fu Tuan. This immersive project embarks on a journey to explore the multifaceted ways we construct and experience reality in relation to memory.
The experience unfolds in six meticulously crafted flip-books, each representing a distinct facet of reality and the modes by which we experience it – from the senses of smell, touch, and active visual perception to the complex interplay of symbols. These modes act as the keys to unlock the enigmatic nature of memory and our relationship with the spaces we inhabit.
Yi-Fu Tuan's insights into the body's role in shaping our perception of space are a cornerstone of the work. Stripping away familiar faces, clothing, and brand names from the photographs, "landmarks" are removed as grounding elements, underscoring the subjective and ever-evolving nature of memory. The body itself becomes the central vessel for recollection.
The transition from two-dimensional photography to the tactile, kinetic realm of flip-books mirrors the core concept that space is defined by the capacity to move. The use of black and white photography, along with the subtle application of a light diffusion filter and props, imparts a sense of nostalgia and memory, enhancing the viewer's immersive experience.
The physical space in which "Unremembered" is displayed is integral to the project. In a dimly lit room illuminated by a single overhead spotlight, viewers step into a realm that mirrors the artist's own memory, though not a real memory. The absence of sound heightens the sense of isolation, allowing the act of flipping through the flip-books to become a deeply personal and introspective experience.
"Unremembered" is not a reflection on specific memories but, rather, an exploration of selfhood, vulnerability, and the tumultuous nature of memory. It is a testament to the artist's acceptance of her imperfect recollection, a reflection on the lingering effects of past traumas, and an embodiment of the blurred lines between clarity and ambiguity in her personal history and identity.
Through her art, the artist embraces life's complexity, inviting viewers to grapple with contradictions and the ever-shifting, enigmatic nature of human experience. The use of incense and temperature in the room engages olfactory senses, intensifying the intimate, almost sacred connection between the viewer and the artist's memories. "Unremembered" invites viewers on a sensory journey through the artist's mind, serving as a testament to the transformative power of art in revealing the profound intricacies of human existence.
Step into the space…
Published in:
Dinner + No Show, Volume 6
Tea Literary & Arts Magazine, XXV