Textures of Memory Rewoven

In keeping with Dinh Q Lê’s methodology and as an homage to him, my presentation will proceed as a form of weaving. My point of departure is his The Texture of Memory (2001). This series of works addresses the phenomenon of ‘hysterical blindness’ among Cambodian refugees resulting in images that can be touched. In shifting away from Western psychiatric categorisation of this loss of sight, I aim to weave into Lê’s conceptual loom not only vision and touch but also a sonic dimension, as explored by Buddhist scholar Trent Walker in his study of Khmer Dharma song performances, which provide 'access [to] means of healing and restoring vision' beyond the frameworks of Western epistemologies.