ANG ANG STUDIO
MAKING THE PAST PRESENT
Words by ang-ang studio
Photography by ang-ang studio
Making the Past Present. A poetic ground created in collaboration between ang-ang studio, No.29, and OOLONG to present their vision of memories and time while bringing awareness to the elderly in Changde Nursing Home.
Making the Past Present. A poetic ground created in collaboration between ang-ang studio, No.29, and OOLONG to present their vision of memories and time while bringing awareness to the elderly in Changde Nursing Home.
Some people say that true death is the oblivion by others. We often lament that life is fleeting, but the elderly in a nursing home will feel more lonely in a sense because of the closure of the physical level. For this project, ang-ang studio recorded the stories of elderly people in Changde Nursing Home through photography and interview. In the interview, their unique charm accumulated through years of experience was not faded by their weak voice and repeated words.
During each interview, a natural bond was made between them and the camera; genuine feelings, expressed honestly, and directly through each pause and gaze, were wrapped through the linearity of time.
In those moments where they shared their past, their memories were captured and beheld. All traces created by time reemerged through their words. It is the most poetic part, a tender memory that was shared and recorded by both them and the team (ang-ang studio). They hope that their photography presents as an invitation into these people’s lives. These precious memories hold the best gift from the past to the present.
Showcasing this dialogue is a collaborative exhibition between ang-ang studio, No.29, and OOLONG, Making the Past Present, to deconstruct the meaning of memory for each individual from different dimensions. Inspired by the elderly’s everyday objects and their favourite food, they presented to their guests, a taste of sweetness wrapped with warmth at the table. Within this particular scene, where candlelight and aroma intertwine between people and space. While the slow process of candle melting evolves into a narration of time, and a balance between the audience and pieces. May health and happiness be with the elderly always. May this exhibition brim this winter with warmth.
