ARS Showroom #039 „Perforeeritud igatsus“ / Punching Longing, An Interwoven Journey Though A Crafted Memory Exhibition in 2022
Punching Longing is an art project that served as my Master of Arts thesis, exploring the concept of longing through the lens of textiles and music. Set against the backdrop of Colombia’s internal conflict, this project delves into the poignant question: “What does a relative of a person presumed missing remember?”
A Woven Journey of Memory:
Punching Longing takes the form of a woven journey honouring individuals in the uncertain state of being presumed missing. Using punched cards as a unique medium, the project translates music into weaving patterns. This transformative process creates a system where music becomes fabric, a tangible representation of memory that can be played, seen, and experienced. Additionally, the materials, colours, and weaving process serve as metaphors for the emotional complexities of longing and loss.
Interwoven Traditions:
By weaving together textile arts, music, and memory studies, Punching Longing explores the multifaceted nature of memory. This project navigates personal experiences alongside the stories of volunteers, fostering do-no-harm principles to create a respectful space for collective remembrance. Through the process, weaving, music, and memory studies are mixed, and the work aims to involve volunteers respectfully.
Honouring Positive Memories:
Punching Longing encourages family members to remember the positive aspects of their beloved ones. This journey seeks to find a more positive side to a painful past by focusing on the happiness and joy of remembrance. Unexpected narratives emerge, becoming integral parts of the author’s story and offering answers that were not initially sought.
Interwoven Stories:
The final outcome of Punching Longing consists of six textile pieces, each a unique narrative woven with a song. These pieces tell a story of joy, capturing the memories and experiences of six different individuals.
