1983. Cadzand

In my grandmother's living room, an old camphor wood chest commands a quiet presence. Adorned with photographs of those who have passed away and a candle flickering in their honor, the chest holds a world of memories on top of its ornate frame. When I open the lid, a distinctive camphor scent wafts out, a subtle reminder of a time and place both familiar and elusive. Inside, the chest cradles a collection of family heirlooms: jewellery, carefully preserved documents, and cherished photo albums. Each item, though faded with age, serves as a tangible link to our family’s past. These relics are more than mere objects; they are vessels of shared experiences, whispering stories that span generations.

I have always been drawn to these items - the photo albums in particular - and captivated by the faces and moments they contain. The images - weddings, birthdays, informal gatherings - capture a tapestry of life that feels both personal and universal. As I traced the edges of these photographs, I was struck by how they depict a broader narrative beyond individual moments. Each image, whether set in the cosy confines of a smoky living room or amidst the serene landscapes of the Swiss Alps, reveals recurring themes that bind personal histories into a collective experience.

Through POST, I have sought to explore these connections more deeply. The project has unearthed common threads running through various family albums: the familiar joy of celebrations, the routine of weekly gatherings, and the quiet intimacy of shared moments. These motifs are not just personal memories but reflections of a grander, shared human experience. Every photograph is a fragment of collective memory, contributing to a broader mosaic of human life. These silent snapshots capture universal themes - joy, sorrow, milestones, and everyday routines - that weave together a rich tapestry of remembrance. The recurring gestures, expressions, and settings across different families and cultures create a shared language of memory, transforming family albums into silent storytellers that preserve the essence of our shared past.

Sander Coers is part of Der Greif X Grisebach: “New Positions”.