Image, History and Memory: Central and Eastern Europe in a Comparative Perspective

This book explores the relationship between mechanics of memory, visual practices, and historical narratives, focusing on the temporal aspect of the image as a commemorative device and a matrix of interpretation and understanding the past. It questions whether visual matrices of memory can be related to a specific historical and geographical scope and investigates artistic reflections on time and history in reconstructions of memory due to change of frontiers and political regimes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between the mechanics of memory, visual practices, and historical narratives, exploring the profound connections between these three realms. It sheds light on the dynamic relationship that exists between memory and the visual, recognizing the image as a central point of reference that functions within the temporal context. Rather than treating the image as a mere trace of the past, this volume emphasizes its temporal dimension, emphasizing its role as a commemorative device that fixes, structures, and crystallizes memory, shaping our understanding of the past.

While the image can serve as a powerful tool for commemorating and mythologizing the past, it also possesses the potential to stimulate, transform, and update memory, acting as a matrix of interpretation and understanding. The book raises intriguing questions about the geographical scope of visual memory matrices, specifically focusing on Central and Eastern Europe. It explores whether these matrices can be traced back to their origins and whether they are limited to local and regional contexts or if they have universal implications.

The book delves into the artistic reflection on time and history, particularly in the context of reconstructions of memory due to changes in frontiers and political regimes. It also examines the efforts to impose specific political structures on territories that were complex and mixed in terms of national identity, religion, and social composition. By examining these diverse aspects, the volume offers valuable insights into the complexities of memory, visual practices, and historical narratives, making it an essential resource for students and scholars of memory studies, history, and visual studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032206257