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Description
I believe memory is the strongest connection between our past and present and is able to predict future effects we might experience in our body. The piece Army N-One represents the struggle of cellular warfare within your own body; white blood cells turning against other cells and causing unknown harm for an unknown reason. The army of white blood cells comprises an endless supply of hungry warriors fighting the so-called foreign invaders until they are extinct. The bottles of the piece are hungry phagocytes, which the body unknowingly uses to target the organs that are deemed a threat. This is due to an abnormal homeostasis in the body, which targets weaker cells to quickly eradicate any abnormal functions. Detection and persistent treatment are crucial to stop further damage and help heal current problems. Through treatment and quick action the intestine has a fighting chance to be rebalanced and thrive. The intestine is coated in a protective pharmaceutical layer that is repelling (fighting off) the phagocytes to maintain its ideal homeostasis. The pharmaceuticals create memories within the organ's cell wall that erects a barrier of protection from the attacking white blood cells. The Segmented Intestine Remnants (S.I.R.) are in the visual representation of a timeline of painful memories in my life, created from suffering and from a longing to be free of pain. The glass vessels act as windows into memories of suffering that most people try to forget or repress. Since the duration of my illness has varied, as well as the severity of discomfort and suffering that was experienced, all are represented by the intricacies and textures created on the intestinal walls. The intestinal segments are submersed in liquid, some decaying, some growing with every recollection. The illumination and liquid level fade away with time, just as we naturally grow farther away from our perceived pain. Aromatics heighten memories. The aromatics in OLF are incased in clear cubes of glass in the form of perfume bottles, place here for the viewers exploration and sensory enjoyment. The olfactory experience is one of the strongest senses tied to memory; it transcends time and space for the one moment one experiences a smell. The smells in OLF may or may not invoke an enjoyable response, but they will create a memory of this experience. The odors that are produced in the medical fields range from clean and sterile to decomposing and putrid. It is a gamble on which elixir will provide positive or negative responses, but it is up to the viewer to decide. Choose wisely or try them all. The memory connection to the mind-body relationship is strong, but can weaken over time with each subsequent recollection. These precious objects are presented as artifacts, shrines to transcendent memories in my life. Researching my condition has lead to many questions of perceived physical and psychologically health. I explore memory and the connection it has to the olfactory experience, as well as overcoming the frustration and despair associated with diseases. Although it is a discouraging process upon first glance, in the end, it channels the feelings of despair and hopelessness to transcend painful memories while embracing the reality I create. Ultimately I am the only one in control of my physical and psychologic destiny?
