God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
J. M. Barrie
An installation of memories and of thoughts half remembered.
Roses In December is an audio/video installation inspired by images and sounds that evoke universal memories.
The images may not be your personal memories, but they have a sense that they could be.
A darkened room.
A slight sound of whispered thoughts.
In a far corner an image appears, a shot of old super 8 film.
It is a child playing.
It disappears.
Another corner and a faded photograph appears.
As you stand in the darkened room images come and go, fading in and out all around.
You are surrounded in a room full of memories.
There are sounds and images that resonate, that remind you of something, even if they have no personal connection to you.
People buy family photograph albums of people that they do not know.
Old postcards remind you of holidays even though they are of places that you have never seen.
Super 8 film seems to capture the essence of childhood.
Sounds can evoke an atmosphere of places that you do not know.
What is it in these images that can create such a strong emotion? Is it purely nostalgia? Is it seeking a connection to the past? Is it a longing for memories that you do not have?
Roses In December takes these sounds and images and creates an installation of universal, and yet very personal, memories.
Download the soundtrack at www.martinasmith.bandcamp.com/track/roses-in-december