What we remember about ourselves, our experiences, and the people around us defines who we are. But what happens when memory fades—because of time, aging, or illness? Not just the day-to-day details fade, but the experiences and understanding that fundamentally shape us.

This installation creates space to preserve what might be lost and acknowledge what slips away. Visitors are invited to share what they hope to always remember—whether it's a specific moment, a feeling, a person, or something deeper about themselves or their world.

Through sharing our memories, we create a communal space to consider what we carry with us and what one day might be lost, building an archive of all the ways we hold onto who we are.

Archive of Forgetting was included in the Good Mourning Festival held at Evergreen Brick Works held on November 1 & 2, 2025 and was a collaboration between Karen Oikonen and health services researcher Dr. Sarina Isenberg. Learn more about Dr. Isenberg’s work here.

Special thank you to Emily Taylor (Hicks) who created an original illustration of Forget-me-nots for the Archive of Forgetting memory card. See more of Emily’s beautiful work on Instagram at emily_illustrates.