A Place I Remember But Still Haven’t Been To

Can one remember a place he or she has never been to? The simple answer should probably be no, however, let us keep an open mind regarding all the components of the sentence. The question is not about capability, merely about can one experience such a feeling, and what is the purpose of remembering or even missing a place that has never been a personal milestone in one’s life. Many immigrants´ offspring feel an intuitive connection to the birthplace of their ancestors, even though they have neither lived there, nor speak their language. Only when actually visiting it, they confess they feel complete. This can teach us that the human brain, hence, psychology, is a clue-collector. It’s enough to collect details here and there, to create a Gestalt, to make a full imaginary place, which may or may not have existed, and even long to visit it, or be a part of it.

This very human fantasy is also related to what has been known today as FOMO, fear of missing out, a continuous feeling of “something much better is happening at the moment and I am not a part of it”. This deceptive feeling often causes deep sadness or even depression and may evoke behavioural self-damaging habits. The Corona pandemic has also  provided people with much more time to “miss things” they never had and fantasize about places they are deprived from going to, although they might have never been there, nor planned on going.

How does it sensually feel to know a place you can imagine, see in your mind, smell, hear, but have never physically stood on? Are these feelings dream-like? Are they déjàvous? Maybe they are a kind of a prophecy which unfold concerns regarding what is awaiting us as a society ahead? The exhibition „A Place I Remember But Still Haven’t Been To“ at Schau Fenster Berlin deals with the aesthetic experience of that phenomena, presenting eight artists who offer a variety of interpretations to those questions. The exhibition takes this fantasy seriously, however, is at times gloomy and humoristic, offering a sarcastic twist on the subject, suggesting people also to remember what is great in their lives at the present moment.