ABSENCE OF EVIDENCE
“Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence.”
This quote by Dr. Carl Sagan means, in simple terms, if there is a lack of evidence of something, it does not always mean the total absence of that thing. So, in other words, even if there is no proof, it might actually exist. I think about the “proof” of something often. The proof of love, the proof of memory, the proof of longing, the proof of what was before, and the proof of what came next.
Food assumes a central role in the tapestry of my childhood memories, intertwining itself with every thread of recollection.
Through my work titled "Evidence of Absence," I delve into the profound questions of proof: proof of my past, my memories, and perhaps even proof of my very existence.
Food becomes both my subject and metaphor as I explore the elusive nature of these memories. Just as ingredients are meticulously chopped, sautéed, baked, and served to compose a meal, my artistic process involves dissecting and reassembling fragments of my past. In this culinary alchemy, I seek to uncover the evidence of what was once present, now seemingly absent.
The essence of "Evidence of Absence" lies in the realization that our recollections are often incomplete, leaving us to construct our own narratives from the fragments we retain. Like a chef creating a dish with limited ingredients, I confront the challenge of reconstructing a cohesive narrative from the remnants of my memory.
Within this creative exploration, I confront the fundamental question: Can absence be evidence in itself? By embracing the gaps and uncertainties, I invite viewers to contemplate the fragile nature of remembrance and the subjective construction of personal truth.
Through this work, I challenge the notion that proof is solely derived from concrete evidence. Instead, I invite the viewer to recognize the significance of intangible absence and the power it holds in shaping our perceptions.
