My project is inspired by the concept of photographic memory. As a person who has what many would consider to be “photographic memory”, it is easier to recall things exactly as they appeared when I viewed them. For me, this includes people that are my family or friends. Dr. Sacks writes in his book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, about a patient whose art dramatically changed due not to artistic exploration, but rather “pathology.” This made me begin to contemplate the impact that a decline in memory would have on my ability to connect to the world. I decided to build upon a portrait series I had done previously of my friends that focused on specific characteristics that I associate with them. My goal was to answer this question: “when my memory declines, and I can no longer close my eyes and see you exactly as you are, what will I remember you by?” From the use of color, to the facial expression and pose, to the choice of medium itself, I was able to render my friends in a way that depicts not just their appearance, but their personality. Included in this project are two haikus that further express how I remember my friends, beyond just what can be seen in a photograph.

Sources:

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/i-developed-what-appears-to-be-a-ph/