MEMORY: project#1

“Memory, and Lack-Thereof” (ink on paper, 2020)

What happens without memory/different kinds of memory?

I researched the different types of memory, and it stood out to me how each type serves a different daily purpose.  Short-term allows a quick memorization of something brief, but the memory can easily disappear after time; if you glance at the car passing by, you might remember the color and size shortly after, but not tomorrow.  Working memory is memory we store for a longer period of time until our brain either turns it into long-term memory or drops it; if you study for an exam, the information is processed working memory until hopefully moved into long-term.  Long-term memory is memory already processed and stored; if you loved a song as a 6 year old and still remember the words today, that’s long-term memory at work.

This drawing works with a main character (I’m using a woman) who loses all 3 of these memory types, so that not only is she the character drawn on the paper, but the viewer of the drawing is able to put themselves in her shoes by viewing her.

She is with blurry/blank surroundings.
Without short-term memory, she could not remember her surroundings in the location she’s in.

The book she’s holding has no words on the pages.
Without working memory, she can’t remember what she just read on the pages.

Her body is broken up, maybe in stripes or static.
Without long-term memory, she won’t remember who she is, or what she looks like.

Ultimately, reality is distorted.
And so is she.

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