Gokanosho

 

The tragedy of memory is loss. It is intangible and therefore destined to be forgotten or erased. We attempt to avoid this loss through embedding objects with memories. In their new vessel, memories may be worn, viewed, or touched. Once palpable, they are more easily grasped as they inevitably begin to fade.

 

Gokanosho, a continuation from my 2014 series Anamnesis, reflects on my time spent in a rural Japanese community of the same name, while drawing comparisons with my hometown, Beaudesert. The boxes, inspired by traditional Japanese designs, are both objects through which memories may be elicited and containers in which souvenirs may be stored. They are individual chronicles of a particular time and place, attempting, through their physicality and evocative nature, to prevent that tragedy we all must face.