memorial
call for participation
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Maddie May is seeking members of Chicago-based communities to participate in their newest publication project, “Memorial.”
The project seeks to catalog everyday items related to those we have lost. It aims to collectively understand the intricate connections between memory and loss, honor those no longer with us, and examine the enduring significance of personal belongings and their power to memorialize the love and legacy of those who passed away.
THE PROCESS
The project involves collaboration between May and Chicago-based community members. May is asking folks who resonate with the project to consider lending an object that holds significance and remembrance for someone who has passed away. May will coordinate with the object’s caretaker to hand off the item, which May will photograph. The objects will then be returned.
Once May has cataloged items, the images and accompanying writing surrounding the object will be published in book format. Those interested in participating should submit to the form below.
ITEM SPECIFICATIONS
Items should hold significance and connection to your relationship with someone who has passed away. The object could have belonged to them, have mutual meaning between the two of you, or hold some sort of meaning or relation to you in regards to them. The relationship does not necessarily have to be positive or negative. All connections are open for consideration.
Items that could fit within the scope of this project include the following:
Should be easy to maneuver and transport
Should be small enough to fit on a kitchen table.
Could be a collection 1 singular object, a few that go together, a few separately, etc.
Examples include a stuffed animal, a household item, an article of clothing, an heirloom, etc.
Items must be three-dimensional
VOL. II TIMELINE / 2024-25
September: Submissions for vol. II open
October-December: Participants will receive correspondence to coordinate the handoff of items and configure a date of expected return after documentation. Documentation is finished, and no more submissions will be accepted. Items will be returned on a rolling basis after documentation is complete.
First week of January: Final edits for the writing will be collected from the Participants
Late February: The virtual publication will be sent out / a physical copy of the book will be on display at Comfort Station during May’s solo exhibition
OTHER
All contributors will receive an e-copy of the publication. Maddie May is the sole author and organizer and is personally funding the project in full. If the book is offered for sale, May will offer participants at-cost pricing. If May has the opportunity for grant funding in the future, they will explore options for offering free copies to participants.
May does not hold insurance on borrowed objects but will be communicative, take the utmost care and respect for the objects while in their possession, and take all precautions to return them to their caretaker safely after documentation. Please note that May shall not be held liable for any damages inflicted on items.