in loving memory

Memory is a profound aspect of human existence. It shapes our identity, influences our decisions, and anchors us to our past. The interplay between remembering and forgetting is crucial in navigating our lives, as each serves a distinct and essential purpose.

Remembering is fundamental to our sense of self and continuity. Memories allow us to connect with our past experiences and learn from them. They allow us to build a coherent narrative of who we are. This fosters continuity and informs our cultural cohesion, as collective memories bind communities and nations together.

At the same time, the act of forgetting is essential, too. Forgetting allows for decluttering the mind, and the process of selective forgetting is crucial for mental health, as it helps mitigate the emotional burden of negative experiences and traumatic events. And, on a societal level, forgetting facilitates forgiveness and growth, as holding onto past grievances can impede our ability to move forward and build new relationships.

In the balance of remembering and forgetting, creating loving memories plays a pivotal role. Intentional memory-making involves being present and engaged in our experiences. It requires mindfulness and an appreciation of the fleeting nature of time.

For this project, I chose to explicitly commemorate locations around the world that, through their inclusion, have received a special place in my memory, allowing me to think back to these locations fondly.
While questioning the role of memory, these interventions in the public space, also nudge spectators into contemplation and reflection.
And so, I position this project as an extrapolation of the works and ideas of the Situationist International in particular, and walking art in general.

The 60 commemorative plaques in 16 countries hint at the duality of the act of remembering. Who is remembering? What, or who, is remembered? And why?

The dance between remembering and forgetting is a delicate act. By embracing both, we can lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Creating our own memories ensures that, while we cherish the past and its lessons, we also actively shape our future. In doing so, we can enhance our personal well-being, and contribute positively to the lives of those around us.

Publication

A photobook of this work is available in Brazil here, and in Europe from shops in Portugal and Spain. At this time, sales from shops like Amazon are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Exhibition

March 26, 2025 will see the opening of an exhibition of this work at Garagem Avenida EAAD in Guimarães (Portugal), as part of The Walking Body 6.

•  intervention  memory  questions