Memories
World | Ongoing Since 2015
In recent years, my camera has been capturing the harsh realities of wars, famines, revolutions, and humanitarian crises worldwide, amassing a wealth of images that have been published internationally. These photos transcend mere visual records; they serve as significant markers, not only for the present but also for the future, embodying collective memory and human resilience.
In each frame lies the raw, unfiltered essence of individuals whose lives have intersected with the tumult of conflict. Their faces bear witness to the profound toll of life’s difficulties, reflecting the impact of geopolitical turmoil. From the journey of millions fleeing war to their arrival in Europe, whether in Sicily or on the island of Lesbos in Greece, to their stay in the refugee camp of Calais in northern France, awaiting passage across the English Channel and into the UK, they are victims of a conflict that changes names but not its daily reality. From the ashes of Sirte in Libya in 2016, once again a battleground, this time between government militias and Daesh, to Mosul, where the gaze of a child reflects the tragedy of life in wartime.
Together, they form a collective historical memory.
How does my memory recall the events lived through the years? Are the images that appear in my mind when I close my eyes the ones I experienced?
Many times I have wondered if my memory coincides with that of history and if the events experienced firsthand are remembered like the photographs taken. Yet, as time marches on, the sharpness of my memories inevitably dulls, much like the fading hues of an aged photograph. The vibrant colors that were once vivid have now faded, and the sharp edges of the figures, once clear, now blur like ghosts in the mind.
This metamorphosis underscores the dynamic nature of memory—a perpetual dance wherein events are reshaped and identities redefined. In this intricate interplay between remembering and forgetting, the photograph emerges as both a repository of collective consciousness and a canvas upon which individual narratives are painted. As light filters through the aperture of the pinhole camera, it not only illuminates the tangible world but also casts a spotlight on the ephemeral realm of recollection, where reality intertwines with memories.
