Artist Jordan Kemerink applied thin latex evenly on the surfaces of objects in living spaces. Once dried and peeled off, their shapes and usage traces were preserved, along with the memories of life they held. The initial inspiration came merely from the artist’s desire to preserve memories from an art residency program she attended. However, after an exhibition, a local audience invited the artist to visit her house—a home that witnessed the lives and growth of several generations but was soon to be sold due to debts following the passing of an elder. The homeowner wanted to leave behind a final memory before departing. Once the artwork was completed, all traces of life such as fingerprints, dust, repairs, and wear were extended into the exhibition space. The family lingered in front of these details before parting ways. Every brick and tile in the house existed for practical purposes, while the artist’s work served as a skin of the house, stripping away its size and social class, leaving behind only the imprints of specific life memories.
Art self-media content creator NainaiZhaoni had this to say about Jordan’s work: “We always emphasize the greatness of the collective, yet never see or mention how a grain of sand struggles to contribute to a prosperous era in the bright sunshine, or becomes futile in storms. Perhaps what truly drives a turning point is more about focusing on each grain of sand, on how they fulfill and complete themselves.” I find this very enlightening for my project, as my project also aims to focus on the fate of individuals, their dilemmas and struggles, yet the unclear positioning of creativity in my project is indeed a challenge. Jordan’s work embodies this intent in a highly creative and aesthetically way, I will learn from it and continue to consider my project in a more creative way.