Exiled Memory, Retrograde Amnesia of a Constructionist Theory, from the series Data Manipulation, 0:03:00 min projection mapping, extracted layers of paint on canvas, varied dimensions, University of Miami, Florida, 30 April 2024. Photo © Alian Rives' Studio
According to the Introduction to Psychology book PSY 2012, Dissociative Amnesia refers to the phenomenon where our mind suppresses significant details about ourselves, resulting in memory "gaps." This selective memory loss often occurs as a protective mechanism against distressing or traumatic experiences. It differs from ordinary forgetfulness because, in most instances, the memories are still retained but remain inaccessible. There are two main ways that dissociative amnesia can work: Retrograde and Anterograde. People who suffer from Retrograde present a deficit in finding old memories. It’s like a glitch or error that keeps you from accessing or checking out a specific memory. They seem incapable of learning, even after many trials or repetitions. [1] Although cases of such severity are relatively rare, Retrograde Amnesia can happen in connection with one-time, isolated events or long-term stress or trauma.The leading view of memory today, called constructionist theory, holds that memory is not an exact reproduction of past events, but rather a reconstruction influenced by various factors such as personal beliefs, attitudes, experiences, and cultural influences. This theory suggests that memory is an active process where individuals construct their memories based on available information and past experiences, rather than passively retrieving stored information.This piece simulates Retrograde Amnesia through layers of paintings extracted from a person’s house. Generative images based on testimonials of this person suffering from it create a video projection over the series of canvas. The individual experiences in exile compose a diagram of the input through a series of photographs of what he remembers from his native place. Using GAN software and computational processes, what is left is a generative image based on a defective machine memory.Viewers of this body of work may be prompted to reflect on the fragility of memory, the impact of memory disorders, and the role of technology in shaping and distorting our recollections. It invites contemplation on the intersection of personal experiences, historical context, and the complexities of memory.
[1] Nevid, Jeffrey. PSY 2012: Introduction to Psychology. Cengage Learning, 2018 p. 220.
According to the Introduction to Psychology book PSY 2012, Dissociative Amnesia refers to the phenomenon where our mind suppresses significant details about ourselves, resulting in memory "gaps." This selective memory loss often occurs as a protective mechanism against distressing or traumatic experiences. It differs from ordinary forgetfulness because, in most instances, the memories are still retained but remain inaccessible. There are two main ways that dissociative amnesia can work: Retrograde and Anterograde. People who suffer from Retrograde present a deficit in finding old memories. It’s like a glitch or error that keeps you from accessing or checking out a specific memory. They seem incapable of learning, even after many trials or repetitions. [1] Although cases of such severity are relatively rare, Retrograde Amnesia can happen in connection with one-time, isolated events or long-term stress or trauma.The leading view of memory today, called constructionist theory, holds that memory is not an exact reproduction of past events, but rather a reconstruction influenced by various factors such as personal beliefs, attitudes, experiences, and cultural influences. This theory suggests that memory is an active process where individuals construct their memories based on available information and past experiences, rather than passively retrieving stored information.This piece simulates Retrograde Amnesia through layers of paintings extracted from a person’s house. Generative images based on testimonials of this person suffering from it create a video projection over the series of canvas. The individual experiences in exile compose a diagram of the input through a series of photographs of what he remembers from his native place. Using GAN software and computational processes, what is left is a generative image based on a defective machine memory.Viewers of this body of work may be prompted to reflect on the fragility of memory, the impact of memory disorders, and the role of technology in shaping and distorting our recollections. It invites contemplation on the intersection of personal experiences, historical context, and the complexities of memory.
[1] Nevid, Jeffrey. PSY 2012: Introduction to Psychology. Cengage Learning, 2018 p. 220.
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