Matter of the Mind

undergraduate thesis Exhibition, 2019

In this body of work, I consistently reflected on the concept of memory—particularly the loss of memories and how we often recall only fragments. During this time, my beloved grandmother, Avelina, who had lived with Alzheimer's disease for nearly a decade, was in the final stages of her life. This deeply personal experience profoundly influenced my creative approach, merging my background in design and printmaking to examine the intersection of memory and creative process.

Exploring Memory: A Personal Reflection on Loss
This body of work delves into the concept of memory, particularly the loss and fragmentation that often accompany it. Influenced by the experience of my grandmother Avelina, who lived with Alzheimer's disease, the project intertwines personal narrative with artistic exploration, reflecting on how memories evolve and fade over time.

Visual Representation of Memory and Language
A central piece features silkscreened plexiglass, layering text from a letter my grandmother wrote with brain scans that illustrate the deterioration of brain tissue due to Alzheimer's. The transition of text from English to Spanish symbolizes her reversion to her first language, creating a poignant visual representation of memory's fluidity and the impact of the disease.

Printmaking as a Metaphor for Memory
Printmaking serves as a reliable medium, mirroring the relationship between memory and creative process. Each print reflects clarity when carefully tended, akin to how memories require attention to remain vivid. This parallel highlights the fragility of both mediums, where excessive or insufficient pressure can lead to loss of form, emphasizing the delicate balance between memory preservation and decay.

Engagement Through Subtle Shifts
The series encourages viewers to engage with the nuances between prints, prompting contemplation on what has been altered, repeated, or lost. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of how memory operates—how it can change over time and how small shifts can have significant meaning.

Raising Awareness: Infographics and Educational Context
To complement the visual experience, I created infographics detailing Alzheimer's disease, including its progression and statistics on those affected. Strategically placed beside the prints, these infographics provide essential context and foster awareness while maintaining the exhibition's primary focus on the artwork. This blend of personal narrative and educational content enhances the viewer's connection to the theme of memory loss and its broader implications.

Installation Documentation / Audience Engagement -

Behind the Scenes -