Fragments

At the heart of our human experience lies memory—a faculty that stores and resurrects our past and wisdom within the intricate labyrinth of our brains. These memories, far from resting neatly on mental shelves like library books, are instead intricate reconstructions, woven together from fragments dispersed throughout our minds.

Enter “Fragments,” an interactive piece that endeavours to breathe life into the ethereal landscape of our memories. Step into the darkness, a symbolic representation of our subconscious memory space, where sensory cues become catalysts.

As you traverse this enigmatic space, memories emerge, one by one, each evoked by your movements. Projected upon layers of transparent curtains suspended throughout the room, these memories coalesce into a captivating collage of images, forming a multidimensional tapestry that mirrors the intricacies of our recollections.

The dark room is a canvas, our memories are fragments, and your footsteps are the threads that weave them together.

In “Fragments,” we invite you to embark on a journey into the inner sanctum of memory, a space enlivened by sensory events and woven together by the profound connection between the past and the present.

The memory fragments can come together to form a complete picture if there are enough people in the memory room. This shows how collective memory and personal truth are important for the creation of history.

With the help of technology, the potential to enhance the experience of recollection through movement is being explored. Kinect, for instance, possesses the remarkable ability to detect the movements of bodies in space. Leveraging this technology, Fragments installation has been developed to engage the process of memory recollection through walking. By incorporating two Kinects, this installation is able to intricately map the floor of the room. As individuals move throughout the space, the specific spot they occupy triggers the appearance of a carefully crafted collage piece. This harmonious fusion of technology and art not only encourages interaction, but also serves as a catalyst for the surfacing of memories, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

The human memory is a complex and mysterious part of our brain. It doesn’t have a clear physical location, and the pieces of memory seem to drift in and out of darkness, only to be brought back into the light by our senses. Sometimes, forgotten details suddenly reemerge, appearing vivid and clear as if they never left. It’s as if our minds hold onto these fragments, waiting for the right moment to reveal them to us.

The installation in question seeks to capture and reflect this enigmatic nature of memory. By utilizing darkness and layers (four textile curtains) , it aims to make these memory pieces ephemeral, as if they are on the verge of vanishing into the void. It’s a powerful visual representation of the fleeting and elusive nature of our recollections.

Furthermore, the artwork holds a significant historical context, focusing on the history of Potsdamer Platz, which has been the stage for countless pivotal moments in the life of Berlin. By incorporating photographs from archives and crafting digital collages, the artist has managed to capture and encapsulate distinct details from various years. This serves as a poignant reminder that by collectively remembering and sharing these memories, we can preserve and honor the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded in this iconic location.