Jiamei Yan





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    ©2024 Jiamei Yan

    Suspended in Time, Anchored by Place




    Suspended in Time, Anchored by Place     is an immersive installation that examines the intersections of geography, time, and personal memory through the medium of postcards. 









    This project reflects my journey from Los Angeles to various places worldwide, emphasizing the emotional connections and time gaps between my parents and me.

    The installation features a collection of postcards I sent from different locations, primarily Los Angeles, China, and Norway. The postcards are arranged geographically: Los Angeles occupies the central position, while postcards from China and Norway are displayed at the far edges. This spatial arrangement mirrors my life experiences, with the longest cascade of postcards representing my extended stay in Los Angeles, stretching all the way to the floor. Postcards from other locations vary in length, signifying the differing durations of my time spent in each place.

    A unique aspect of the installation is how the postcards are presented. The front side displays the original images, while the reverse side showcases inverted content. This deliberate inversion symbolizes the time difference and cultural separation between my parents and me, expressing the disconnection and reconnection in our communications, shaped by our respective time zones and lived experiences.    Through this project, I aim to create a visual narrative that functions as a form of data visualization. The postcards not only recount my travels but also highlight the emotional and temporal dynamics of living apart from family. The combination of geographical arrangement and inverted imagery invites viewers to explore how time, space, and familial relationships intertwine through the simple yet profound act of sending a postcard.

    This work invites audiences to reflect on the personal dimensions of geography and time, offering a contemplative exploration of how technology, time zones, and communication influence our connections with loved ones, especially across distances.