Memory Palace is an intriguing examination of the mind by artists Alisa Baremboym and Seung-Min Lee. The two have created a performance piece that revolves around the idea of memory as we see it – distinct ones that come to mind, such as the name of our first pet, and all the smaller ones that come together to make up what we call memory. They also look into the disconnect that happens when the body overpowers the mind – the automatic reaction of getting your keys out before you’re at your door, or of your evening routine. Baremboym and Lee, two distinct artists with different oeuvres, come together in their dual performance.
Baremboym has had solo exhibitions, and her work has focused on steel, ceramic and fabric, manipulated to represent symbols of detoxification, womanhood, and control. Silk fabric screen-printed with an image of a meat locker gains duality in the contrasting subject and material choices. Her ceramic work is sometimes reminiscent of human flesh, lending another dimension to her pieces. Lee, on the other hand, specializes in performance work, and has recently done a series on Kim Jong Un in unusual situations (one involves him “hacking” Chipotle to figure out how a 2-person meal can provide for 50). Lee also paints, with geometric works that range in subject from sexual to calming. The two artists in tandem promises to be an unforgettable performance.
Memory Palace focuses on what exactly our memories are made up of – where we keep things important, where we go when we’re sad, what the first car we drove was. The things we forget and the things we’ll always remember. The tiny pieces of information that make up our being and the contrasting feelings of duality we have between mind and body. The idea that we are completely made up of memories is an interesting one, and this performance seeks to delve into this concept.
Memory Palace is occurring for one night only, on July 28th at 7pm, at the Luxembourg & Dayan in New York. Don’t forget.