Pockets Full of Memories (2000 -2005) is an online and gallery installation in which the audience creates an archive by contributing a digitised image of an object in their possession. The sum of the archive of objects, organised through – a specially written computer programme known as – a Kohonen self-organising map algorithm, is accessible on the internet, and projected on the gallery wall, so that users can review each object’s data and add their own personal comments and stories. The result of the project, which was originally shown at Center Pompidou, Paris, is a growing map or data set of possible relations between items that range from the merely functional to a signifier of personal value. Legrady effectively integrates the real space environment of a gallery installation with virtual access to the database through the Internet.
This is the first time this work has been shown in the UK. George Legrady was born in Budapest, emigrated to Canada and now lives in California. Originally trained as a fine art photographer, his work now focuses on screen-based interactive installations and investigations of semiotics and narrative development in interface and data structure design. He is Professor of Interactive Media at the University of California, Santa Barbara and holds a joint appointment in the Media Arts & Technology graduate program and the department of Art. www.pocketsfullofmemories.net
Picture Credit: George Legrady, Pocket Full of Memories, 2001 – 2005