Impact: A Dialogue on Art & Memory
Donation protected
In this project, titled Impact: A Dialogue on Art & Memory, I will reflect on the themes of memory, memory-loss, object, and both monetary and sentimental value. I am creating this project in hopes of discussing the topics of Alzheimer’s and dementia, diseases many have been affected by, including my grandmother.
In this piece, porcelain and ceramic plates, teacups, figurines and other fragile items purchased from several thrift shops in Toronto, still connected with the memories and sentimental value from their previous owners, will be placed in the vending machine and sold for a price similar to a can of pop or a bag of chips.
Once the viewer purchases a piece they connect with, the item will fall from its place and shatter at the bottom of the machine, forever destroying any past or present memories associated with the object.
The installation will question the following:
-How much does one value art?
-Does memory have value?
-Does memory/sentimental value add real monetary value to an object?
-Once the object is destroyed, is the memory attached to the item rendered worthless or does it linger?
The installation and the questions they ask connects with Alzheimer's and dementia since, although a person may be affected by these diseases, and their memory fades or disappears completely, their friends and families still hold on to the memories once shared with that person. But there are also many who may find that those memories become soured or are no longer associated with the person who they know now, a majority of whom are now a shadow of their former selves.
I am fundraising for this art installation as it will be my most costly piece yet, and there is an immense amount of time, cost and energy that will go into finalizing this piece. As this is my last year at York University, I consider this as my thesis project and aim to make this a thought/discussion provoking and aesthetically pleasing artwork that is gallery-ready.
In this piece, porcelain and ceramic plates, teacups, figurines and other fragile items purchased from several thrift shops in Toronto, still connected with the memories and sentimental value from their previous owners, will be placed in the vending machine and sold for a price similar to a can of pop or a bag of chips.
Once the viewer purchases a piece they connect with, the item will fall from its place and shatter at the bottom of the machine, forever destroying any past or present memories associated with the object.
The installation will question the following:
-How much does one value art?
-Does memory have value?
-Does memory/sentimental value add real monetary value to an object?
-Once the object is destroyed, is the memory attached to the item rendered worthless or does it linger?
The installation and the questions they ask connects with Alzheimer's and dementia since, although a person may be affected by these diseases, and their memory fades or disappears completely, their friends and families still hold on to the memories once shared with that person. But there are also many who may find that those memories become soured or are no longer associated with the person who they know now, a majority of whom are now a shadow of their former selves.
I am fundraising for this art installation as it will be my most costly piece yet, and there is an immense amount of time, cost and energy that will go into finalizing this piece. As this is my last year at York University, I consider this as my thesis project and aim to make this a thought/discussion provoking and aesthetically pleasing artwork that is gallery-ready.
Organizer
Sara McGuard
Organizer
Etobicoke, ON