The project and this exhibition explored how mnemonic knowledge becomes associated with specific locations in the environment. Kelly has suggested that “correct” knowledge can be transmitted through performance which becomes associated with specific locations giving purpose.(1) Specifically this project explores the role of the performance element rhythmical pattern body movement (2) in transmitting knowledge.
An important contribution in this exhibition was the gallery audience physically witnessing this commemorative connotation being created in an art gallery environment through the actual lying down of red poppy wreaths and single poppies. Another aim was to examine the frequency of this activity and whether connotations are created in this gallery space that are something more than just commemorative.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions an important element of this work was missing, the important kinaesthetic empathy or felt experience of the audience that comes from watching live wreath- and poppy-laying performances. Due to these restrictions the possibility of communicating these aims was substantially reduced. The exhibition could only be documented and/or shown via video.
(1) Kelly, Lynne. Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Society: Orality, Memory and the Transmission of Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015, 49
(2) Rhythmical pattern body movement: an act comprising a series of rhythmical physical actions of known meaning in a repeatable consistent order by one or more people possibly interacting.