Memory Archaeology
Alexandra Rojo
As with most Miami-natives of Cuban descent, my heritage stems from an island that only exists as a tropical ideal painted by stories and fading customs. Families who sought political refuge in the 1960s, like mine, confronted the pressures of adopting a new culture while struggling to preserve their own. By implementing the practice of archaeology as a design methodology, I explore aspects of Cuban culture that have become diluted as a result of The Revolution. My thesis analyzes personal histories in order to understand the intergenerational nuances behind collective memory and reflect on what it means to preserve Cuban heritage.
Memory Archaeology Capstone
Completed in Thesis Research B, with Elaine Lopez
Generational Loss
Performing the degenerative quality of memories as they are told intergenerationally. The first ipad has a video recording in Spanish, the second ipad transcribes the story, while the third ipad is translating it into English and lastly, I interpret the interpretation to highlight key moments and speaker's intonation. Completed in Technology B, Anna Fangan XuLost in Translation
Cassette-recorded interviews between my mother and grandmother intertwine between a wall that relies on the tension between tapes. Any disturbance consequently causes the players to pause the recording. ‘Lost in Translation’ becomes an oral history experiment that demonstrates the juxtaposing lines of communication between the memory experiencer and interpreter. Completed in Technology B, Anna Fangan Xu
Traces
While visiting Miami I explored the predominantly Cuban neighborhood of Little Havana. Although the area has commercialized, there are corners that remain historically authentic. I conducted a topographic survey by collecting artifacts and cultural clues, using a wax crayon and roll of paper to produce rubbings as archaeological evidence. Completed in Thesis Research B, Elaine Lopez