Memory Line

Adding a personal element to my work, I asked my mum for some old photo albums from her childhood that are from the 1980s onwards. This works as a personal archive, allowing me to explore memory through family history and ultimately creating a stronger emotional connection to my project. By using images that mean something to me, I am able to reflect on how photographs preserve moments that otherwise could have faded or been completely forgotten overtime.

I wanted to peg the photographs across the lid of the suitcase, resembling a washing line and creating a domestic and familiar feeling, linking memory to everyday life that everyone can relate to. The washing line acts as a visual metaphor for airing out the past, a display of memories that tend to be stored away and become forgotten. A running theme throughout this project is the idea of preservation which is again suggested through this experiment. The images hang between past and present as a resemblance of the passage of time and fragility. From the beginning of this project, I have wanted those viewing my work to feel connected to it, and by using personal images I am hoping it recalls a memory from their childhood and of their loved ones.

I don't want to use the images as they are, so I am going to explore different ways I can develop them. This might be through the use of layering, using acetate, or exploring with cyanotypes.