CLEA REFLECTS ON UNIQUE EXHIBITION
Reconstructing Memory is a unique exhibition by Sligo artist Clea Van Der Grijn ( right) as she explores the differences in society in the approach to death in Mexican and Irish Cultures.
Van Der Grijn immersed herself in the Mexican culture: living and breathing their ways for four months to bring home a story told through a number of different mediums.
Film, photography, sculpture, painting and installation are all utilised in this beautiful and well thought out exhibition.
Lights, sounds and smell play a big part of the experience of Reconstructing Memory and it is these small details that bring the story to life.
The exhibition draws on the Mexican culture and their experience of the ‘ Day of the dead’ where people go to graves to be with the souls of the departed, build private altars containing foods, beverages, photos and memorabilia, with the intent to encourage visits by the souls.
Reconstructing Memory shows the journey of a young girl, following a path of Marigolds on her return to her grave decorated with all her personal belongings.
The Marigold flower is a significant symbol in South American and Mexican culture, due to its pungent smell it is believed to help draw the souls from the houses to the graves.
Drawing on her own personal experience of the loss of her brother and her emotions at that time, Clea felt inspired to look at life and death and the differences in societies and from this Reconstructing memory was born.
The exhibition has been a favourite amongst Sligo audiences: from adults to school children.
“I think the exhibition is about understanding: if you felt something then it’s worked and then you have to work out, what did I feel? That’s what I wanted to do: to let people open their eyes, even just a bit” said Clea reflecting on the exhibition.
The exhibition will run until this Sunday the 2nd of April in the Model Sligo and will then tour to the Limerick City Art Gallery, The Solomon Dublin and the Rochester Arts Centre, USA.