Longing to Remember

Within the last few months, I've noticed my memories are starting to disintegrate. When I try to reflect on my past I can only remember little details, and even then they are mostly a blur. This is extremely frustrating. I don’t understand why this happens or how to explain it to others.  It’s become one of my greatest fears. How can I talk about something that no one else can see? I could never quite describe it until my photos were accompanied by both the camera and music.

Music was the biggest part of my process as a way of bringing out past memories for me. A song can bring back lost bits from my past, as well as the emotions I felt at the time. The vibrant colors and collages of different photos give the viewer a narrative; and each of those sets are accompanied with blackout poetry versions of the memory. This also gives the effect of memory loss- considering some words are not completely blacked out where others are.  

My work recreates my interpretations of my memories based on a melody. Each set of photographs shows a different impression. Reconstructing each lost moment and allowing them to grow as a collage, revealing different views to piece together and helping set the stage for each recollection. My hope is that the photographs together also trigger viewers to reflect on their own personal moments–to take them back as well. Some say it’s good to forget, but I want to remember. 

-Patty Romanzo, 2021