Memory

The mind can't imagine extremities in size. The microscope and the telescope are means to look into different ends of the spectrum. It is hard to comprehend the expanse of the universe and the space 'in between' an atom.
This 'unknown' is similar to the cell structure surrounding memory.
Memory depends on either side of itself. It is the strength and characteristics of the bonds surrounding which make it what it is. Electric pulses strengthen bonds between nodes of memory as the memory is recalled. The more the memory is recalled the more significance it maintains. Memories can be strengthened by how often they happen, repetitiveness or how passionate the person felt about the experience. Memories also strengthen with contact and social interaction with people as they reminisce about past events.

The universe cycles continuously from creation to recreation. Memory exists in a similar state. The memories you have from your youth will be overlaid and diluted through your life time. Your experiences are enriched on top of the past and the most important memories will continue to float to the top of the pile.
The human mind hasn't experienced existence much older than 100. If the brain was to stay 'alive' for longer the experiences we reflect on would become disfigured and obscured. Would we lose the point of focus and understanding and therefore our identity?

I created this image with a series of overlays in the darkroom. Its quite a long process and the final image is all at once, so the composition of the photograph is fairly random similar to the recollection of memory. I am going to further attempt to creat these images and hopefully I can get them representing the aesthetic of braincells.

The mind has the inability to recall and synthesize the exact instant of time. I have tried to emulate memory through imagery and objects. Objects can stand the test of time and their physical presence can trigger the mind to remember.

I have looked into darkroom photography and the physical presence it holds vs. the digital. I have controlled light and developed the film and prints with my personal influence at every step.
The photos i took of the beach are of the coast to the south of Kaikoura. I took a couple rolls of film and was assisted by an old friend who took pictures with a digital camera. This photo shows a branch creating a welt in solid rock. I was taking photos of different textures and unusual objects found around the rocky beach.

The photograph unveils itself drifting in chemical, it blooms and memory is visible.
I have taken series of photographs containing individuals and objects significant to them, passed down from an older generation. The photos pertain the object as the focal point, the center of the memory. The object is constant through time. I have used depth of field to replicate the blurring of memory and the loss of information over distance. I am playing with different techniques to degrade the prints to show loss of information aswell.
Memories shape the individual. The experience the person has can be positive or negative for their life. Imagine the impact of viral memory implantation. We would need to insure strict measures be withheld to maintain the integrity of the poulation.

Confabulation etc. to come.

To have memory manifest you have to believe it is real.