I am pleased to announce the launch of my new work entitled The MeMo Organization Cabinet.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection the cabinet will be on display at the Chicago Cultural Center from January 28th – July 8th.
The Latin phrase memento mori,meaning “remember you will die”, denotes objects which remind us of our mortality. What alternative Memento Mori rituals might be created in light of current developments in technology, philosophy and science?
Cloaked in the fictional identity of the MeMo Organization, I present a cabinet of seven curious objects and stories that explores a range of poetic practices and attitudes towards death and mourning. MeMo is a research-based initiative that recognizes the way cultural shifts have created new relations toward death and experiences of finality. Such change opens the door to more personal, relevant and contemporary experiences of death. The MeMo Cabinet distills research ranging over a wide field into a collection of tools which facilitate a series of intimate narratives voiced by characters struggling in various ways with mortality.
The MeMo Organization Cabinet will be accompanied by three MeMo seminars hosted by the Chicago Cultural Center and open to the the public. Participants will explore past and preset attitudes towards death and discuss the new practices proposed in the exhibit.
Visit MeMo website for a listing of times, location and guest speakers.
Concept, writing, drawing & modelmaking by Jessica Charlesworth
MeMo Identity, booklet typset & layout by Romain Andre
Presented by Michael Graham of Balloon Contemporary
Sounds To Die By, 2012: Story and Sketch from the MeMo Booklet
Sounds To Die By, 2012 : RP ABS plastic, leather case, foam, jack plugs, latex
Our BioAge, 2012
Our BioAge, 2012
MeMo Organization Cabinet Installation at Chicago Cultural Center
Without You, 2012: Sketch & Story page from the MeMo Booklet
Without You, 2012: Latex, polymer clay, leather, chain. microphone head
Ambient Traces, 2012: Pencil on Paper
Ambient Traces, 2012: Sketch & Story page from the MeMo Booklet
For As Long As We Both Shall Live, 2012: Sketch & Story page from the MeMo Booklet
MeMo Booklet
Introduction page, MeMo Booklet
The MeMo Organizaiton Plaque was made by a local southern Chicago tombstone makers, Monumental Artworks.
Side view of the MeMo Organizatino Cabinet on the 4th floor lobby at Chicago Cultural Center
Seven objects fill the vitrine
[...] also wanted to share the work of Jessica Charlesworth, the brains behind MeMo. Cloaked in the fictional identity of the MeMo Organization, Jessica presents a cabinet of [...]