Cardboard Memories
“You’re a right nutter” – that was the first reaction I got when I showed these images. That reaction told me the message had really got through, and so I could have used that as the title for the series.
The concept behind the series is very simple. I take vintage photographic prints depicting family or social events and manipulate them – ‘distort’ them, some might say – to reveal the often tragic reality hidden behind these happy snapshots.
Over time, these old images do indeed acquire a haloed status. They become untouchable and are expected to perpetuate a memorable moment for those who are no longer with us, sweeping their status as perpetrators or victims under the carpet.
But what is the truth? What became of that lovely girl receiving her First Communion? How did that beautiful wedding end? In that neat class photograph, how many pupils were actually abused?
How can we break the code of silence behind these seemingly peaceful snapshots?
Using hybrid techniques (sewing, embroidery, burning, cutting, etc.), the manipulated images tackle hidden and taboo subjects such as domestic violence, gender equality, sexual assault and patriarchy.
You’ll never look at your family photo albums in the same way again.
