Free

About this Exhibition

The true art of memory is the art of attention.
–Samuel Johnson


Is the internet eating our memory or is it lightening our mental load? And what is the difference between memory and digitized memory data? In a post-analog age, where social media platforms are becoming our cultural archives, who "owns" our memories?

In Search of Lost Memory is a group exhibition probing the effects of our growing dependence on digital technology on our memory. For this multi-media installation, curator Arlinda Shtuni invited artists on both sides of the Atlantic to contribute original or existing works on what has emerged as a germane topic in contemporary art, literature as well as in neuroscience research. Both Julien Prévieux's Duchamp Prize-winning "What Shall We Do Next? (Sequence #2)" and Andrew Fish's new works register the bodily responses to our increasingly digitally-mediated and disembodied experiences. While A. R. Hopwood's "False Memory Archive" and Wilhelm Neusser's pre-digital "Dropbox" remind us of the ever slippery nature of memory and the fragile and mysterious process of storing and reclaiming it.

We are gathering responses to a Memory Questionnaire during August and September. This interactive tool will create a collective diary for an exchange of ideas and observations on the state of our personal and social memory.
Fill out the Memory Questionnaire

About the Memory Salon

Also, join us in the ballroom at 7:15 PM for a Memory Salon, a transdisciplinary conversation, with readings of new work by writer Daphne Kalotay, and poets Dan Chelotti and Guy Pettit.



Above: Andrew Fish, Echo, 2016. Oil on linen; 47" x 48". Courtesy of the artist.


Gallery Hours

Monday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on September 5th.

Sponsors

This program is made possible thanks in part to the Consulate General of France in Boston and the Mosaïque Cultural Fund. LOGO OFFICIEL DU CONSULAT MosaiqueCharter1Web_Logo Rose-Noir ss Fund

Call for Artists

CallforArtists-Image

Our art exhibition program showcases local and international artists whose work has a connection with French and Francophone culture.

Whether you draw your inspiration from an artistic movement, a specific artist, a subject or a technique, you can submit your work for an opportunity to present your art to the public in our elegant brownstone's gallery in the heart of Back Bay, for month-long exhibitions from September through June.

Artists and projects are selected by a committee of art professionals, artists and art connoisseurs who meet twice a year. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

To submit your work please refer to the Call for Artists in which you will find a detailed description of requirements and conditions.

Upcoming Events

Friday, March 29, 2024

Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us online for our popular members-only conversation gathering.

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In-Person Event

Spring Open House 2024

Discover all the French Library has to offer

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Experience first-hand our most popular classes and events!

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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

The French Library is pleased to welcome Gaël Leiblang, writer and performer of the theater piece named "Tu seras un homme papa", presented at Huntington Theatre. Dive into the world of theater and the privilege of discussing with him about the story behind the making of this piece.

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