Limited Edition Memory Game, available in Portuguese and in English.

For documentary photographer Ana Paganini, it all began with time. The time Paganini spent in Vila Real, at her grandfather’s house. Then, the time spent at Velharias Morais, the antique shop behind her grandfather’s house. The time Sr. Morais had spent in Switzerland collecting objects, the time since he’d moved to Portugal collecting more, the time spent arranging and rearranging objects in the store—mementos that had belonged to people whose time had run out. The time Paganini spent learning to take pictures. Time as collection, recollection, and composition.

Is a memory created or found? What about a photograph? Memory, like photography, involves both the passing of time (collection) and the freezing of time (recollection). Composition—the relationship between objects—helps make a photograph memorable, and memory itself is a game of composition. It’s easier to recall something when it relates to something else; any time spent playing memory games proves this without a doubt. Ana Paganini´s grandmother lost her ability to recall memories due to Alzheimer's disease. This game is dedicated to her.

Instructions:

There are 10 pairs of photographs. Lay them face down and shuffle. Organize them into a grid (or don’t). Turn two cards over. If they match, set them aside and turn over two more. If these also match, you probably haven’t shuffled well enough; they’re not really supposed to match this early in the game. At this stage, it’s helpful to name what’s in each image so that you can remember more easily. Once you name them, you’ll develop feelings around the images: aversions, or attractions. This is normal. If you’re playing by yourself, keep turning cards over two at a time. Develop a system; see if that helps. Sometimes it doesn’t. If you have opponents, take turns, and take care—there are two images featuring clocks; there are several paintings of ships. The differences are slight, the objects are obscure and if you don't win, there's always next time.

Text by Isa Toledo