The artwork that I have presented is a culmination of creating cathartic work that acts as a bridge between myself, object, and viewer. I have used my personal interest in collecting discarded, second-hand photographs as a mirror to influence my artistic practice. In my work, I aim to reproduce my personal experience of escapism through embracing other people’s possessions so that an audience can take on the role of voyeur over my memories. 

My interest in memory-art began after studying a module focused on exploring different methods and applications of working through various kinds of memory in contemporary art. I have been inspired by the way that memory can connect different people through their own personal connections to an artwork. The self-reflective nature that memory art brings myself and my audience allows for simple moments of escape: whilst interacting and viewing my work, the mind can wander to a different time, place, moment. I work with personal souvenirs, photos, and collectables that I have accumulated from travelling abroad. These items are very important and special to me. At present, I’ve found it extremely constructive and beneficial to my art practice to use existing objects as the source material for my projects; by referencing a past state, I am able to experience the memories linked to the object again.The work I make creates a freeing space for me to breathe in – through process and content, I am able to find a moment to pause, reflect, remember, recollect, enjoy, and move on happier, and in a better headspace. I aim to create work that encourages others to find this moment of relaxation in my work for themselves: escapism through an experience of my personal memories. The narratives within the objects and images that I present are personal to me, but can also be collective: the combination of viewing visualisations of my memory in combination with the viewer’s own perceptions, memories, and interpretations can create a rendering of past moments within other’s subconscious.  

My practice is predominantly for myself, incorporating finding ways to share these personal memories with a wider body, whilst keeping a sentimental, genuine feeling to the imagery. 

Instagram: @caxty