THE IDENT ICRISIS Mnemento M ori Abstract 0

THE IDENT ICRISIS Mnemento M ori

Abstract 0 To explore the relationship between individual identity creation and collective construction, we sought to devise an “object to think with” that could bring these two phenomena together. 0 When looking at the subject of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their relationship with family and caregivers, this interplay between the collective and the individual becomes more than simply an abstract theoretical discussion. 0 Issues around personal identity, and how it can be or is defined, take on a new level of everyday poignancy, especially for those whose lives have been touched by this difficult disease.

Abstract (Cont. ) 0 Our project simulates the process through a “object-to -think-with” inspired by Jason Morningstar’s roleplaying game Fiasco. 0 The exhibit can be broken down into three sections: individual identity creation, collective identity modification, and memory souvenirs.

Abstract (Cont. ) 0 Individual Identity: Participants will be asked to select two general personality traits and will be assigned two memories from this selection they.

Abstract (Cont. ) 0 Collective identity: Participants further define their relationship with a random identity created by a previous participant; and in turn future participants may receive the opportunity to define their relationship with the previously created identities.

Abstract (Cont. ) 0 Memory Souvenirs: Participants will be encouraged to physically interact with a series of memory souvenirs, small objects designed to represent their memories. This interaction will lead to the acquisition and loss of memories for various created identities over time.

Abstract (Cont. ) 0 Finally, through interaction with our project participants will gain a better understanding of how memory operates as both a social and personal means to define identity and how devastating a disease like Alzheimer’s can be to both patients and their families.

Works Our Project Embodies 0 Aristotle. “On Memory and Reminiscence. ” Trans. J. I. Beare. MIT Classics. Web. 15 September 2012. 0 Carr, Nicholas. The Shallows. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2010. 0 Dick, Philip K. “Paycheck. ” The Philip K. Dick Reader. New York: Citadel, 1997. 0 Genova, Lisa. Still Alice: A Novel. New York: Pocket, 2009. Print. 0 Gibson, William. “Johnny Mnemonic. ” Burning Chrome. New York: Harper Collins, 2003. 0 Mayer-Schönberger, Viktor. Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2009. Print. 0 Morningstar, Jason. Fiasco. Ed. Steve Segedi. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Bully Pulpit Games, 2009. Print. 0 Morningstar, Jason and Steve Segedi. The Fiasco Companion. Ed. Steve Segedi and Amanda Valentine. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Bully Pulpit Games, 2011. Print. 0 Munce, Alayna. When I Was Young & in My Prime. Roberts Creek, BC: Nightwood Editions, 2005. 0 Plato. “Phaedrus. ” Trans. Benjamin Jowett. Project Gutenberg. Web. 20 September 2012. 0 Quintillian. “Institutio Oratoria”. Book XI, Chapter 2. Quintillian’s Institutes of Oratory. 9 August 2011. Web. 15 September 2012. 0 Stiegler, Bernard. “Anamnesis and Hypomnesis. ” Ars Industrialis. Web. 30 September 2012. 0 Van Dijck, José. Mediated Memories in the Digital Age. Stanford, CA: Stanford UP, 2007. Print.

Highlights from the Project Development

Highlights from the Project Development 0 Take a look at our current prototype! 0 (Click the image to view the webpage)