Join knot expert and ropemaker Des Pawson and artist Joanna Whittle in the creation of Memory Ropes, an exploration of the ritual of remembering in a response to recent times.
Historian Solomon Gandz described knots as being the first ‘primitive memory-tool, serving to bind a flying past, to tie up fleeting memories’ and since ancient times knots have been used to record and pass on information and to aid the memory as a memoria technica.
In conjunction with Joanna’s work in the Platform 20 exhibition at Site Gallery, Des will be creating a number of Memory Ropes enabling participants to weave their own acts of remembering into communal ropes which will be shaped to form part of an evolving installation during the duration of the exhibition.
Des will also be sharing his considerable knowledge on the history of ropes and knotting and there will be an opportunity to learn simple knots to create charms to add to the ropes or a wider installation. Participants are asked to bring items with them which can be added to the rope such as string, cord, fabric strips, hair or shoelaces. Participants can also bring items which can be attached to the rope including items such as flowers, rags or charms. Anything to create a collective memorial to our individual remembering.
This activity will take place outdoors on Site Square, opposite the gallery on Brown Street. It’s essential that you sign in at Site Gallery reception and a member of staff will direct you to the event.
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