FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS AS VISUAL RECORDS OF INDIVIDUAL MEMORY

BİREYSEL HAFIZANIN GÖRSEL KAYITLARI OLARAK AİLE FOTOĞRAFLARI

Abstract

The study examines the function of photographs on individual memory, their role in shaping the past, and their relationship with the workings of memory. The use of photographs both as a means of personal expression and as a transformative artistic medium enables the reinterpretation of individual memory and offers new perspectives on the past. This study provides insights into the construction of individual memory, exploring the use and artistic potential of family photographs and their connection to memory, identity, and existence, as well as the process by which individuals construct their own narratives. Since its invention in the mid-19th century, photography has been utilized for both documentation and artistic creation. Initially limited to static images due to technical constraints, photography has evolved with technological advancements into a medium capable of immortalizing dynamic moments. In the art world, photography has transcended its role as a documentation tool, becoming a conceptual form of expression for artists. It played a significant role in movements such as surrealism and dadaism in the 20th century and has become an indispensable part of contemporary art today. Photographs serve as effective tools for individuals to recall the past, revive memories, and shed light on the process of shaping individual identity. Thinkers like Baudrillard and Clarke note that while photography captures time, it also bridges the past and the present. Photographs are not merely tools for documentation but also serve as aesthetic and intellectual expressions. Ahu Antmen emphasizes that photography has gained value as a conceptual art medium beyond mere imagery. Family photographs, as reflections of individual memory, represent personal and collective ties to the past. Family albums bridge generations by providing records of personal history. According to Sontag, photographs offer an intense form of remembrance, transforming memories into concise expressions. The works of artist Gülsün Karamustafa also connect individual memory to collective memory, highlighting the power of photography as both a personal and universal narrative tool. In conclusion, photography is more than a means of documenting the past; it is a vital tool in the formation of individual and collective memory. Family photographs play a central role in the processes of art and remembrance as visual records of individual identity and memory.