It was interesting how the map has been developed through history, and how the metro stations are theoretically considered as a reminder of the memory. When it comes to history, it makes sense that maps used to be all about aesthetic especially there was no technology to picture the map precisely. I believe it was more about the landlords showing off their lands and their wealth that can afford such a beautiful map. Just like any other ornament such as craftsman furniture, portrait, and ceramic, etc. As time passes, the needs change to functionality. The most developed map requires a straightforward visualization so that the viewer can receive the information immediately. I agree that the metro stations trigger individuals to remember about their past. For example, when I was working on this project, first I went to the metro stations that I used to ride. These metro stations did make me feel nostalgic. I photographed some of the stations before drawing the map and walked around the station for a bit to think about what I was going to draw. Then I started to remember the name of the bar, restaurant, or place that I used to hang out. The metro station helped me to trigger the memories, but it was not all about the metro station when it comes to the memories itself. I felt like I understood deeper in the reading.
The strategy I had for this project was very simple; as I was assigned to work with Ana, who is an illustration major, I chose to make something involving illustrating. I didn’t want to make anything ambitious since I don’t know how capable she is and I also have an intense schedule in general. As an outcome, we created an installation that shows the two individual’s memory in Paris. That way we could have worked individually, and a few meetings worked just fine. I am satisfied with the outcome because it is understandable with a title, and the storytelling about the past can be pretty interesting. We decided to use red strings to match the style and unite all of the elements of drawing, but use different pins to categorize the memory in detail. The strings created two shapes not connecting each other, which one can say there are two forms of memory. Ana and I. Also, since Walter Benjamin mentions that memory comes piece by piece in our reading, and considering the memory is something that we can’t define, the complex network of red string made sense to me.
I believe there is no such thing as true blind spots when it comes to artwork. Famous artworks can be criticized in many different ways, but it doesn’t prove that it is a bad product. Marcel Duchamp was criticized harshly while he was living, but his pieces became one of the most important works of art because it opened up the value of art. As long as it can be explained and the visualization makes sense, I don’t see the point to be criticized. Even as a conceptual map, it is an interesting map because there are two shapes created by lines, which makes me thing individual memories. However, if I say one thing, mapping memory is nothing but abstract because the concept itself is very abstract. It wouldn’t have an impact on the audience if it doesn’t relate to them. Because we had references directly given from Lily and Francesco, it made sense to make it.
Miro
