Memory Building (2020)

After my parents died within a few months of each other, I was left to navigate my grief on my own. I was surrounded by memories of our lives together and by their material possessions, including a well-organized archive of family photographs. They had lived in the same mid-century suburban house since their wedding day. For sixty years, their lives unfolded within the walls of that home, a place steeped in our shared history.

In my series Memory Building, I physically project vernacular photos from the family archive onto the surfaces of my childhood home where they were originally captured. By rephotographing these scenes, I explore the layers of memories ingrained in the walls—silent witnesses to our lives.

These projected tableaus serve as a bridge between past and present, offering a space for reflection and solace amidst my grief. As the house was prepared for new occupants, I grappled with bidding farewell to the echoes of my parents' presence that had filled it for so long. Creating this project allowed me to confront and celebrate the home’s impact on my personal history, exploring both the enduring power of memory and the bittersweet process of letting go.

"The emotion in 'Memory Building' is palpable. The vibrant family photographs, their celebrations, and milestones, juxtaposed against the vacant shell of the home, summon a powerful narrative of nostalgia and loss. Annette's meticulous composition and her masterful use of color and texture contribute to this deeply personal reflection on the American dream—a mid-century suburban life now fading into memory. Her skill and creativity are truly inspiring, making this series a standout in the exhibition."
– Megan Wright, Saatchi Art

"Photography . . . is a potent instrument of connection and introspection. Consider, for instance, Annette LeMay Burke’s evocative exploration of memory and nostalgia, as she breathes new life into old family photographs through imaginative projection. "
– Brent Lewis, Photo Editor, The New York Times

"By casting projections of her family members onto the walls of her childhood home, Annette LeMay Burke evokes the poignancy of memory. In 'Rumpus Room,' a group who once gathered together welcomes the viewer, cutting through the linearity of time."
– Jacqui Palumbo, Writer + Producer @ CNN Style