Library for Shadows
2019
I built the Library for Shadows to house the shadows and memories of daily objects offered by donors. Each library entry consists of a shadow painting and an audio recording of a conversation with the donor about the memories centered around their object.
Even though we know our memories are malleable and often unreliable, we consistently desire to hold on to and record them. Collections in conventional museums and libraries often focus on the grand narratives of social economic development. But it is the accumulation of imperfectly-remembered, seemingly insignificant memories of individuals that make up our collective consciousness and influence how we behave as a society.
This installation version of the Library for Shadows created for the Triennial Singapore Malaysia Cultural Showcase at The Godown, Kuala Lumpur. It shows a selection of entries collected from Singapore residents and the local villagers at Kampong Ulu Dong during my month-long artist residency. The audio track that bookends the installation is woven from my conversations with these shadow donors about their personal objects.
Watch excerpt of video documentation here.