( Re)calling ‘home’: An artist’s negotiation and (re)negotiation between memory, geography, history and language

Abstract

This article addresses the role of memory for the itinerant as repeated negotiations take place between geographical location and reminiscence. The meaning of ‘home’ is considered in relation to space/place and time as fragmentary transmutations periodically enable a sense of momentary personal cohesion. As these are temporary transmutations, or states of cohesion/consolidation, the itinerant remains ever in a state of flux, continuing to shift and change as self-recognition occurs through accessing the store of memories and through articulating the past ‘home’ in relation to the current site of location or domicile. The writings of Breyten Breytenbach, Michael Jackson and Irit Rogoff, amongst others, will be used to investigate discussions on the meaning of ‘home’ and exile. The final part of the article will focus on three performance works, Rituals for Momentary Cohesion (1998–2002), whereby a negotiated form of consolidation is sought through the action of the body within the interior space or landscape.