PRESERVING COMPTON: THE MEMORY MAP
The Compton Mapping Memory Project is a public art + Augmented Reality project that shares ideas, art and history about Compton through the use of QR codes incorporated into murals, freestanding works and historical markers rendered by local artists in areas of historical significance in Compton. It will utilize archival and current information and photographs, as well as oral history interviews and other media to create a “memory map”- with AR experiences that map significant places, people and events for arts and culture in Compton. People in the community will be able to access important information via our website about the pieces they are viewing.
For example, the viewer will experience footage of Robin Coste Lewis (former Poet Laureate for Los Angeles, from Compton) reciting one of her poems, an image of original mural by Elliott Pinkney, now buried beneath over forty years of paint or graffiti, or an article explaining the significance of a particular place and time in Compton’s arts/cultural history. This technology allows us to tell our own stories and to revive the vibrant tradition of Compton as a driver of art and culture. The Memory Map seeks to memorialize the city, its artists and its worldwide cultural impact instead of grim statistics.
Key Elements of the Memory Map:
Community Participation: Local artists, historians, and educators will come together to gather stories, photographs, and artifacts that represent significant moments in Compton's history. This process will be open to all, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives is represented.
Artistic Expression: The memory map will be a dynamic and visually captivating multi-location installation that blends various art forms, such as murals, sculptures, digital media, and interactive elements. The goal is to create an ever-evolving piece that reflects the continuous growth and transformation of the community.
Interactive Technology: The memory map will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including augmented reality, to immerse visitors in the history and culture of Compton. People can access audiovisual narratives linked to specific locations on the map using QR codes or a dedicated app.
Public Spaces Activation: The memory map will be installed in key public spaces throughout Compton, encouraging people to explore and discover their neighborhood's history and helping to foster a sense of pride and identity among residents and visitors alike.
