Decaying Memories
Alayne Caroline Ballantine
at Fourteenfifteen
Sept 8 - Oct 3, 2023

Decaying Memories is a series of pieces mimicking the traditional neon signage that is so historic in Albuquerque that shows the depth and distortion of our memories and nostalgia over time. Specifically, the powerful changes in memory that occur to humans during periods of isolation and exile. We use memories to maintain self-awareness. During periods of solitary confinement and social exclusion those memories become warped. Decaying Memories is a visual expression of this decay, mirrored after the road signs and neon that are nostalgic memories for us living along the Route 66 corridor. It will show the warped, painful feelings hidden within nostalgia; bringing to light the reality that many face not just within the carceral state, but within our everyday lives as we move through time. 

Distorted nostalgia is an event that happens to all humans, but it is also something that humans can force upon one another. These forced stents of confinement and exclusion are a real and damaging occurrence. The signs take on a more distorted and decayed appearance to signify the change in our memories during these times.

Does our distorted concept of memories make them any less real? What does it say about our character if the life events we use to base our identity on are not remembered with complete object accuracy? Decaying Memories is a visual display of those questions.

Alayne Ballantine is a writer and artist born and raised between Corrales, New Mexico and Waco, Texas. She has worked with local and national groups writing essays and poetry on abolition and has recently taken an interest in incorporating visual arts into her repertoire. With a decade of experience in electronics fabrication, Alayne uses these varying skill sets to create tactile work that is relatable, accessible and poignant on a multitude of levels. She works to create meaningful pieces that are both comforting and challenging to her surrounding community.