Memories are recollections of past experiences, of history, full of meaning and deeply
personal. Memory still looms as a big mystery in science as no scientist is perfectly sure
how the brain physically sorts and stores information and why we can remember some
memories and forget others.
Memories can be preserved physically outside the brain in photographs, images, colours
and lines through art. These can be memories of extraordinary things or of daily
contemporary life – simple moments of ordinary people.
Depicting memories either in a representational or abstract way can through art can help
us recall our experiences of yesterday and today. These memories make us who we are – a
big collection of moments, experiences and feelings. As a society we are connected
through the collective memories that we have about specific times, places or events. The
choices and decisions we make throughout our lives are based on our personal and
collective memories and how we perceive them.
Alberta artists Ana Zanella and Veronica Funk present their own very distinct versions of
memories: abstract grids depicting patterns and organic motifs found in daily life, and portraits inspired by miniature vintage photographs – bringing together old and new through bodies of work that are interconnected by the past but presented in a way that represents the present.
Ana Zanella is a painter and mixed media artist living in Calgary who is interested in
exploring different mediums in her abstract artworks: inks, watercolours, printing, image
transfers, drawing, sewing and more. www.anazanellaart.com
Veronica Funk is a painter and writer residing in Airdrie whose focus is on pattern, colour and storytelling – honouring the lives and stories of women through portraiture. www.veronicafunk.com
