‘Lost Memories’ is a multi-screen video installation that draws on screenwriter Gary Thomas’ experience of being a carer to his mother, who had Alzheimer’s Disease.
Combining documentary phone footage with dramatised sequences, Gary’s film installation offers a moving and poignant insight into his lived experience as a caregiver, and incorporate stories submitted by members of the public of their experiences as carers.
Focusing on the personal insights of being a carer, ‘Lost Memories’ shares Gary’s experience of looking after his mother. The installation features personal diary extracts, real phone footage and dramatised sequences, capturing the heart-breaking but also joyful moments of their relationship.
The display is spread across a three-screen installation, which audiences are able to walk through.
Gary seeks to convey the texture of lives that revolve around the confusion behind dementia and the demands of caregiving. His installation aims to provide recognition for the large number of carers who look after their own relatives, as well as showing moments of clarity and the joy within these.
“I’ve often used my own life as inspiration for writing and my work in film,” said Gary.
“Being me, when my mother was diagnosed, and even before, I began recording and filming moments of our life that we shared together, both the good times and the difficult emotional times, some in audio, and some as film. I suppose I wanted a record of it, without knowing whether anyone else would see it at all.”
To honour carers across the UK, Gary is inviting people to submit either 500 written words or a video diary, detailing their experience of being a carer. These honest accounts will be incorporated into the film installation at a later date, to ensure all voices are heard.
‘Lost Memories’ national tour is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and can be seen at:
Victoria Pavilion Arts, Victoria Pleasure Ground, New Town, Uckfield TN22 5DJ, during October.
October 25-27, Lighthouse Project Space, Unit D North Level 1, New England House, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4GH.
November 5-10, Library at the Lightbox, 1 The Glass Works, Barnsley S70 1GW.
For further information visit https://garythomas.co.uk and to make a personal submission email lostmemoriessubmissions@gmail.com.
Comments