'FORGOTTEN MEMORIES'
‘Ala - alang nalimutan’ in tagalog (Filipino) means Forgotten memories, a personal photography project which I want- ed to explore the idea of forgotten, lost and disposable photos and how it is important to keep such photos as mem- orabilia. Time is continuous, un-rewindable, things can never be the same and every day is different, no matter how much you replicate or create certain situations, routines, events or even actions they can never be the same. Time can- not be rewinded, however it can be recorded, the power of media such as films and images which capture moments is something that should be forever rewarding. The impact of memories within photos can influence our physical and emotional state to points in which we reflect and react, the thoughts and processes of the brain as a result, can alter our way of thinking from a miniscule to an interactive level. Disposable are such examples of cameras that require vin- tage techniques like photo development in order to materialize a physical form of captured imagery, it is an example of how memories can be forgotten due to its process which makes the photographer blind to their works, emotions such as patience and enthusiasm tend to happen which is something i want to showcase.
This project aims to create an outcome in the form of a publication which show- cases a collection of disposables and lost photography which are of personal importance and emphasise the idea of not discarding material as every source of imagery is treasuring.
OUTCOME 1
Considering existing photos of my own, I wanted to collate and create an archive of lost polaroids and images in which I would have either disposed, discarded, forgotten about or left to collect dust on. Images such would be organised in a way which would tell a story and be aesthetically designed and layed out on pages that would be personal and more free-flowing to me. This would later be the foundation of my first outcome, an A5 publication which showcases a collection of disposables within the project duration. The disposable archive is a collection of kept disposables over the course of this project duration and is only taken during specific time periods that are momentarily memorable and may be easily forgettable. organised through patches of human memory and location. encouraging the idea to take as many photos as possible as it is an example of memorabilia that is priceless. Time is precious, make memories.
OUTCOME 2
I decided to utilize errors that were almost mistakenly discarded to my advantage. It was unexpectedly but surprisingly intriguing to capture and keep photographs taken without knowledge. The idea of keeping pocket photos that create blurred but puzzling compositions is something to incorporate when discussing memory and the importance of archiving.
Without any thought, the ability to create such spontaneous and accidental photographs was almost like a piece of treasure. Content to use and experiment on. I also intend to physically print them onto a range of photographic paper to rearrange, mix and experiment with different types of photo development such as cyanotypes. By exposing the overlapping layers of patterns/composition using sunlight, I’m intrigued as to what aesthetic is produced.
Although it may have come from the bloom, the overall collection of pocket photographs and their experiments will be included as a chapter within myself directed publication. With the idea of showcasing the beauty of archiving almost discarded material.
OUTCOME 3
Unlike the disposable archive, ‘of what once was’ showcases the importance of archiving and memory taking over a long period of time. how elements of nostalgia, personal history, time and place can have a significant reaction when looking back at a collection organised and translated into a publication. ‘of what once was’ attempts to showcase elements of my personal heritage and aims to encourage the creative action to make publications out of loose physical memories. the following photographs are a selected archive from the last 10 years showcasing a selection of memories that i have found personal, from places to memorable moments captured during the right moments
