In BAB 2022, Map of Memories (2017) explores the politics of memory. The archipelago of the ‘east’ examines the construction of memory with geographical features such as “Peak of Gestalt” and the canyon of “Method of Loci.” Crossing the “Sea of Brain Science,” we see an island mapping out the different types of memories surrounding the highest peak of “Mt. Conversion”.  As we continue the journey westwards across the “Sea of Innocence,” the topography becomes increasingly dramatic, as we are confronted with the more emotional themes of memories at the ‘Lake of Dream’ and the ‘Near-death Experience Valley.’ Navigating across the “Strait of the Passing” to the westernmost part of the map, we are confronted with the social aspects of memories, including collective and national memories, as well as, its relation to personal memory. Areas such as the coast of “Damnatio Memoriae” and atolls of “Big Data Monitoring” also speak to the importance of historiography and the political role of memory for mobilisation of society.

Qiu Zhijie, Map of Memory, 2017.
Ink on paper