Photo available from: http://erikajanik.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/genius-or-madness.html, Accessed 16/03/14
In our piece, we are implementing the memories and the cultural histories of others directly in to the museum through an installation piece. Inspiration was drawn from both Memory Theatre and the pseudoscience phrenology. Specific objects often have a significant place within our brains; they not only evoke memories but often trigger an emotional response. The brain as a storage and retrieval system is flawed; our memories are often fragmented, disorganized and seemingly distant, referred to by Peter Matussek as “far more like actors in a succession of changing stage settings.” (2001, pp66) Moreover, the historical and cultural significance of the authoritative voices such as the museum as being one of “truth” may further distance the participant from their own memories. Performing memory is therefore challenging, memory is more than an event recalled to individuals and groups, as Karen E Till states it is a “multisensual, spatial ways of understanding their worlds”. (2008, pp99)
Furthermore, there is also the issue of our piece becoming “institutionalised”. We will be collecting the memories of others which, although will be sourced from a diverse group of individuals, will still not be fully representative and the participants may feel subjected to an “authoritative voice”. Our piece however will not use “illocutionary force” (Garoian 2011, pp238) the participants will always have the option as to whether or not they want to listen to the memories of others. The phrenology model we will be creating will incorporate the traditional segments which were decided had their own function or emotional response linked to. Therefore, participants can look at the model and reflect on their own memories or experiences that they perceive to be connected to the segment.
Works Cited
Garoian, Charles R (2011) Studies in Art Education, Vol. 42, No. 3. (Spring, 2001), pp. 234-248
Matuseek, Peter (2001) The Renaissance of the Theater of Memory. Available online: http://www.peter-matussek.de/Pub/A_38.html, Accessed 16/03/14
Till, Karen E (2008) Artistic and activist memory-work: Approaching place-based practice In: Memory Studies, Sage. Available online: http://blackboard.lincoln.ac.uk/bbcswebdav/pid-824670-dt-content-rid-1511163_2/courses/DRA2035M-1314/memory%20artist%20activist%20copy.pdf, Accessed 16/03/14