The making of 'place' to enable memory

Keywords:

identity, dwelling, nomadic space, photography, visual methodology, Heidegger

Available in:

JVAP 5.1 - about JVAP

Funded by:

NAFAE - about NAFAE

Pulished:

July 2006

Article abstract

Identity is a construct, so is place. The reflection on place and its interpretation in relation to time and space has been dealt with throughout the history of philosophy from the most diverse perspectives. My personal approach to place is that of an artist with a particular interest in how we physically perceive and measure 'real space' in a time context that is defined by the movement of our own body through it. The endeavour of reflecting on how one might pursue the idea of place has led to the gathering of a body of photographs that document my immediate personal environment to enable memory. The images provide a visual methodology that engages with the notion of dwelling and nearness. Photography is considered in its ability to study aspects of Dasein (in the Heideggerian sense) and to represent duration, repetition and change. The text elaborates on relations between proximity, nomadic space, identity and the question of belonging.

Written by: Andrea Thoma

Other articles in: JVAP Volume 5 Issue 1