This is a series of tiny hand-printed photographs hidden inside matchboxes. The viewer is invited to pick up, open and explore the matchboxes themselves to discover the treasures within. Those treasures are my memories, and this series aims to investigate how we attach our memories to objects. The work is self-representative; I focused on objects that I have kept, having found it difficult to let go of them. Some of the objects are laden with sentimental value, others are more trivial things that I have simply had for so long that I can't imagine not having them.

The series comprises of a total of 60 matchboxes containing photographs. I have reproduced only a small selection of the matchboxes here because part of the pleasure of the installation is the interaction of the viewer and the work, the joy and surprise felt when discovering hidden things.

Though the photographs depict my posessions, I hope that the series is relatable, leading the viewer to recall their own cherished belongings, and to question whether we really need these material objects as reminders of our past. Are our memories not enough on their own?






All photographs © Lauren Spencer 2011