For many long years my mother had been complaining about a declining
Memory performance. At 83, her short-term memory had virtually disappeared. Longer-ago memories sometimes resurfaced, but were often out of context. She still partially remembered things from even further back, but they were no longer reliable.
Long-dead people were believed to be still alive or to have been
She was confused with others. She perceived the present in narrow, brief glimpses, and the future was no longer considered.
In her final years, my mother's illness increasingly preoccupied me. It became a part of our family's everyday life, and I had to deal with her so-called dementia syndrome.
In this situation, I began to explore it artistically.
Within three weeks, my textile interpretation, a mixed-media work entitled "Dementia," was created. In 2008, the opportunity arose to
to show the piece in an exhibition in Switzerland under the motto “yesterday – today – tomorrow”.
My husband and I travelled to Solothurn and were greeted on the opening day by
Many visitors were drawn into conversation after touring the exhibition. It turned out that my work, the only one addressing the topic of dementia, resonated with the visitors.
They could read it and she made it speak herself. Practically everyone
The interviewee had a patient affected by this terrible disease
Person in the family or circle of friends.
A Story about Respect Mixed Media Quilt “Dementia”
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There was clearly a need to discuss a taboo subject,
and there was unanimous opinion that an artistic debate
It was good. She brought the topic of dementia to a different level, at a different distance from everyday situations, which resulted in very friendly, polite, and respectful conversations. We were able to address a social problem objectively, treating both the sick and those caring for them with respect. A beneficial experience that continued for years after this exhibition and after my mother's death.
