On Borrowed Time

An investigation of memory loss: During the making of "On Borrowed Time" my thoughts kept returning to those living with Alzheimer's, together with their friends and family. All parties are aware of the chronic nature of the condition; that despite some days being better than others the prognosis is for a downward trend. All know that no one, even especially loved ones, may not be ultimately recognised, and that normal bodily functions will be lost, unless death intervenes. As such everybody concerned is painfully aware that in a very real sense they are living on borrowed time. Perhaps this is especially true for the patient who, in early stages, knows something is wrong, but able to continue with some degree of normality for a time. However under this facade deterioration continues. So the challenge is to make the most of this borrowed time whilst they are still recognisably the real person that their friends and family know and love. So, I have also included a strand of hope as there can still be good experiences; there is still love and care. I find it amazing that some living with dementia are still able to look on the bright side and continue to “count their blessings”; such people are an exempla of positive thinking and living. The imagery references include diagnostic questions, such as naming, a landmark or a public figure, completing a sequence backwards and drawing a geometric pattern. There is also both hope and pathos in utilising the imagery of fields of transient wild flowers. I wanted to make this work as a tribute to a person close to me, who was last year diagnosed with early stage mixed dementia. Viewers are invited to collaborate by responding on paper to diagnostic type questions and then shredding their answers; the shredded paper will be regularly added to the existing pile throughout the exhibition. Richard Brooks