“The Forgetting” is an exhibition by Suzanne Paleczny, a Whitehorse-based artist, that delves into the profound impact of memory loss on her life and art. The inspiration for this body of work came during Paleczny’s time at Emily Carr University in 2019 when she found herself facing the deteriorating memories of her parents.
Paleczny’s artistic exploration inspired her to learn more about the mechanisms underlying memory creation and its frailties. Large-scale paintings with fragmented and abstracted depictions of family make up the resulting body of work, “The Forgetting.” The purposeful repetition of the dizzying lines mimics the way our brains write and re-write memories. These contours reflect her contemplation of memory’s role in defining oneself and the repercussions when those memories fade away.
“Suzanne Paleczny’s artistic exploration into the depths of memory invites us to reflect on our own memories, cherish the stories that define us, and contemplate the devastating nature of dementia.”
Ultimately, “The Forgetting” is Suzanne Paleczny’s perceptive artistic inquiry into the complexities of memory, dementia, and identity. Her work prompts viewers to reflect on the significance of memories in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world. In her artist statement she asks “Who are we if we can’t remember our own stories?“
“The Forgetting” is a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition that resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level. Suzanne Paleczny’s artistic exploration into the depths of memory invites us to reflect on our own memories, cherish the stories that define us, and contemplate the devastating nature of dementia.
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