Maternal mo(ve)ments in memory work

Abstract

This is a textual introduction to the video piece ‘Maternal mo(ve)ments in memory work.’ The purpose of the video piece is to approach the production of collective and memory work data through its mo(ve)ments, sounds, and affects, and to perceive memory as a collective process of production. In order to question the construction of memory as a ‘singular entity’ and build an understanding of memory as the collective production of mo(ve)ments, I have combined the extracts of memory work recordings and collaborative writings with ‘snapshots’ of theory on memory and affect on the video display. The video piece begins by presenting the ‘excerpts’ of memory work recordings and their transcripts. Another set of memory work transcripts follows these, also providing writings and recorded expressions of the memory work encounters. The piece ends with ‘snapshots’ of theoretical insights on the presented data. The oral articulations/‘voices’ on the video are of women in my family and the written articulations are of Laestadian women in my study.