Persistence of Memory, a Light to the Forgotten is a novella inspired by the folkways and language of the Gullah culture and the Yoruba religion transformed in the New World. These two powerful cultural sources are the creative muses for this book. Steeped in the oral tradition of telling tales, the story is told by Saul who calls himself a journeyer—a seeker. And after “peeping” in on humans for the Gods, he finds himself marooned on Earth and homesick for a life firmly placed in another realm of reality—the Real World. It is the place where inhabitants’ live life to the fullest while waiting to get their “head,” and inevitably step into the “sweet water of forgetfulness.” Become human. Fearing that he is losing his memory and becoming all too human himself, over the course of a night, he reminisces and spins tales of his people—folks. Like people on earth, they live life with the challenges and burdens of being touched by the joys of love, humor, tragedy—and a strong belief in their Gods. And so, with a sense of pride, and tinge of disquietude, Saul recounts a life mislaid. Gone lost.
Dream fantasy images by photographer Marcus Gordon accompany the text. In English and Gullah, the work is presented in a box of curiosities that is, in and of itself, a part of the storytelling. Concept and story by Veronica. Limited edition, 50.