Artist Statement:
Sarah Middleton
“...our memory has no guarantees at all, and yet we bow more often than is objectively justified to the compulsion to believe what it says.”
-Sigmund Freud, The interpretation of dreams
My work focuses on subjects that we may not necessarily be able to see; giving a critical view of our sense of time and memory. I am examining how we process milestone memories and how these events go on to influence us, through my own and others experiences.
I have researched areas of cognitive psychology and questioned psychologist theories on the process of memories, its reliability and whether it is possible to change our memories. Artists work such as Vesna Pavlovic’s photo collage projections and Pablo Mercado’s installation pieces, has guided me to produce a more structured body of work.
I have produced relatable pieces of work in order to gain an understanding of my subject matter, as well as to allow the viewer to reflect on their own personal experiences. I have experimented using a range of mediums and have let my subject matter dictate the materials I have utilised. Recently there has been a clear focus on photography, installation and experimentation with projection. These mediums tie in well with the process of memory and this makes for a strong base for my work as well as an immersing and thought provoking experience for the viewer.