Memory Net
"Memory Net, Sunken Forest," Oddar Meanchey, Cambodia, 2019
“In English, we say we’ve ‘lost a memory.’ The phrase suggests memory has been dropped, misplaced, but not gone. A memory, a loss, may seem absent in our lives but still present in some other way, perhaps on an unseen plane of existence. We say we ‘dredge up’ a memory. The memory sinks, drifts, but with the right line, we might catch it – an object pulled up from the deep. The Memory Net is a reoccurring temporary installation piece, approximately 30 feet in length and cut by hand from a single piece of paper. The artist travels with the piece and documents it around the world, each setting bringing new meaning to the work.” --Kascha Snavely, Vestibule
"Memory Net, Phum Prey Village," Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia, 2017
"Iida's reoccurring 30-foot-long hand-cut paper temporary installation/performance piece, the "Memory Net" has traveled the world, taking on new meaning and engaging communities in each new context."
"Memory Net, Koh Rong Island," Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia, 2017
"Memory Net, Fremont Foundry," Seattle, Washington, USA, 2017
"Memory Net of Remembrance"
February 19, 2022
Densho
Seattle, Washington
"In recognition of the 80th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, Densho is launching a new community art initiative: the Memory Net Remembrance Project. In collaboration with Densho resident artist Lauren Iida, we invite submissions of “memory objects” that symbolize hope, strength, and/or resistance for you or your ancestors during WWII Japanese American incarceration. Lauren will select from these objects to incorporate into a 30-foot-long cut paper net to be hung as a semi-permanent installation in Densho’s community room. This project lives at the intersection of Densho’s shared commitment to art, archives, and activism, and we hope it prompts reflection and dialogue as we approach this upcoming milestone. Please join us in this powerful act of remembrance!"
"Memory Net II: Home"
2018
Vestibule Gallery
Seattle, Washington
"Memory Net, Vestibule," Ballard Neighborhood, Seattle, Washington, USA, 2018
"Papercut artist, Lauren Iida created an installation as she worked in an open-studio setting. Iida invited the public to answer the question, “What object reminds you of home?” Over the course of the exhibition, Iida cut these objects into a 40 foot paper net installed in the gallery."
"Memory Jar" for contributions of symbolic objects from the public
Iida with finished Memory Net at Vestibule
After the Memory Net was finished, Iida took it to the streets of Seattle and did a photoshoot and temporary installation with homeless youth. Special thanks to Sanctuary Arts. Photos: Cameron Nagashima
