Resonant Memories
The goal of this project is to share the episodic memories of elderly people from Serbia through interactive sculptures that bring their experiences—especially those involving technology—to life. We also hope to bring awareness about different perspectives on technology by conveying memories of the elderly using technology in a more embodied and less visual-centric way than current mainstream digital devices.
Tangible Memories
In Resonant Memories, we go beyond conventional representations by making memories tangible—something to be touched and heard. We focus especially on tactile sensations, using vibrotactile feedback and textiles to evoke emotional associations that serve as the leitmotif for each memory. We capitalize on touch because this sense is known for its emotional potency, becoming a bridge to subconscious, tacit recollections. Each sculpture is also enhanced by sonic and visual elements—through sound design and textile forms—that abstractly connect to significant moments from each individual memory.
These sculptures serve two purposes: to encapsulate individual memories in tangible form, and to evoke emotional resonance in visitors who may have no direct connection to them.
Whose memories are these?
These sculptures are the result of a year-long collaboration with nearly 100 older adults from the towns and villages of Belgrade, Dolovo, Pančevo and Ruma. Senior citizens were engaged in both the research and design phases through individual sessions and community workshops. Not only did they share their memories, but they also actively contributed to the outcomes, such as the vibrotactile sensations, sound designs, and some aesthetic choices.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all elderly participants in this project, for their generosity and open-hearted attitude. Without them, and their kind contributions, this project would not be possible. We would also like to thank our hosts Cеntar za Promociju Naukе for their dedication to the project and for organizing a large constellation of activities, involving multiple stakeholders, leading to this exhibition. Finally, we would like to thank the EU Digital Deal initiative supporting our project, co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, and coordinated by Ars Electronica.
Credits
Yulia Sion – Concept, research, and artistic lead, haptics design
Nuno N. Correia – Concept, research, and artistic co-lead, sound design
Claudia Diaz Reyes – Concept co-author and initial textile sketches, textile workshops
Toomas Savi – Engineering, electronics, and programming
Anni Varm – Textile art and implementation