A Monologue byJean-Pierre Martinez
Sharing one’s life story feels akin to flipping through slides. The snapshots might not captivate others as much as the vivid memories we cherish. But in this era of selfies, who still remembers the narcoleptic charm of slide nights from the past? For the younger generation, et me provide some context. Back in the days when an initiatory journey could lead you to Morocco, Greece, or the southern coast of Corsica, a couple of adventurers enjoying paid vacations, would assemble their most devoted friends. Together, they would indulge in a buffet adorned with flavours from the exotic destination, marking the culmination of their adventures. As a delightful post-coffee ritual, they would project vacation photos onto the white living room wall. Before this enchanting moment, these intrepid travellers meticulously organized their extensive collection of slides into various trays based on themes, carefully arranging the order of photos to enhance the overall narrative. Mastering not only the art of photography but also the skill of thoughtful editing was imperative. As the master of ceremonies smoothly navigated the transition from one slide to another with a wired remote, the projector emitted a sound reminiscent of a photocopier: click-clack. Naturally, incidents were not uncommon. Whether it was a tray mistakenly mounted upside down or a slide featuring an inverted image, the projection would occasionally be halted. This interruption was essential to swiftly rectify the situation, ensuring that not a single moment of the show was missed and that the message remained undistorted. The never-ending, slow-motion cinematic experience, accompanied by live commentary from the projectionist for each film frame, naturally prolonged the duration. To endure this ordeal with a smile, one needed genuine friends who could pretend to be truly amazed by the abundance of exoticism. What an adventure it turned out to be! Next year, it would be their turn to reciprocate, subjecting their friends to the cinematic saga of their own life’s vacation. To witness and be witnessed, right in the comfort of home. To carve out a small space for existence, at least once in a lifetime. To step into the spotlight, each taking a turn, yet always surrounded by friends. Blessed are those who, like them, embarked on a splendid journey. In today’s era of real-time, we narrate our lives simultaneously as we live them, rather than just experiencing them. The existence of the image precedes the essence of the journey. The concept of exoticism has vanished in the age of globalization. Travel has been reduced to mere relocation. The notion of “elsewhere” no longer exists. Only diverse locations. Memories and, by extension, futures have faded away, leaving only an eternal present. Awaiting a time when holograms and artificial intelligence enable us to exist everywhere at once forever. Like God. But for what purpose? I come from a bygone era where holograms were merely reflections in the hallway mirror, and where both intelligence and foolishness were still entirely natural.
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A sketch from the collection Like a fish in the air
Link to the collection for free download (PDF)
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