Keepers of Memory: Creativity, Reimagination, and Multiplicities in the Archives

Abstract

Keepers of Memory explores the complex relationship between Archives and institutional attachment. The erasure of violence and upholding state and institutional power occur in the archive, where a monopoly between the archivist and perceived narrative begins. The archive's memory must be challenged and liberated from institutional barriers limiting access and shaping narratives. Additionally, a conversation explores the past's multiplicities and how archives retain and support state-led dominance. This research acts as a framework for reinventing archives by removing institutional attachment and incorporating marginalized perspectives. This is done to reapproach archives with a unique perspective based on artistic practice that can be reshaped as accessible, ethical, and community-oriented to serve the needs of scholars, artists, and the general public. Imagination is at the core of this work to create a new tradition by examining traditional and limited archival practices. In summary, Archives are not a singular story; they are complex sources of memory that would thrive under the unfettering of their contents. The archive's liberation, imagination, and uplifting of anarchist values is a beautiful tool and offers the opportunity to reclaim our histories from the memory of the institutions.