Recollect

2022

Recollect is an immersive exhibition by artist Thomas Buckley that brings the memories of Jersey’s elderly population to life through a series of interactive sculptures. Each sculpture in the exhibition takes the form of a wardrobe, containing integrated technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), motors, and sensors. These wardrobes serve as both literal and metaphorical containers for the memories of Jersey’s older generation, inviting visitors to engage with the past in a deeply personal and interactive way.

The exhibition emerged from a six-month befriending program that Buckley set up on the island in collaboration with Age Concern. During this time, Buckley and his team built relationships with elderly Islanders, listening to their stories and collecting their memories. These intimate exchanges formed the foundation of the work, translating personal histories into multi-sensory experiences.

Inside each wardrobe, visitors discover a unique combination of sensory stimuli. By interacting with the sculptures, they trigger digital experiences—such as immersive VR landscapes, AR projections, and tactile sensations—that bring the memories of these individuals into the present moment. The use of technology in the sculptural elements allows the memories to come alive, offering a fresh way of connecting with the past and deepening empathy for the lives and experiences of the elderly.

Through this project, Buckley challenges traditional methods of storytelling, using technology to bridge the gap between generations and create a space for shared understanding. The exhibition invites participants to reflect on what it means to remember, to connect, and to be heard.