cover image by Yukihiro
Memories are past events that remain in our minds.
Even without photographs, people have long conveyed and shared experiences and events through words, stories, and drawings. However, the invention of photography significantly changed how these memories are preserved and shared.
This time, let's lightly explore the formation of memories in the era without photographs and the impact brought by photography.
How Stories Are Passed Down
In ancient times, people passed down important events to future generations through murals and oral stories. These methods had the power to directly appeal to the hearts of viewers and listeners.
On the other hand, with the advent of photography in the 19th century, it became possible to 'see' past scenes concretely, changing the way memories are preserved. Photographs became a means to capture expressions and scenes in detail, allowing personal experiences to be recorded more precisely than before.
Image by Koji Takasaki
When Memories Were Preserved
The stories and murals told shared memories of many people. However, with the advent of photography, people were able to preserve smaller, personal memories. As everyday moments began to be preserved as important records, our perception of memory also changed.
Furthermore, in the digital age, photography became even more accessible, allowing us to instantly share our memories with many people. The sharing of memories prompts us to rethink how we value and handle memories.
From Preservation to Sharing of Memories
Even in times without photographs, people cherished their memories and had methods to pass them on to future generations. The advent of photography changed the form of these memories and significantly influenced how we look back at the past.
Today, centered around AI technology, the methods of preserving and sharing memories are further transforming. For example, using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, it is possible to not only see past events and experiences but also experience them as if you were actually there. This allows memories to be recreated in a more realistic and immersive form.
Image by 田中ハル
Moreover, AI helps create richer and more diverse means of archiving memories by integrating not only photos but also audio, video, and emotional data. It is conceivable that AI could analyze memory patterns and emotional nuances to offer personalized memory playback and organization.
Facing the Methods of Preservation
The important thing is how to continue preserving life's moments as valuable using these technologies. Considering how to pass on precious past memories to future generations using the powerful tool of photography is a very intriguing topic.
