// new media class

A location can have special significance related to a group's collective memory. This ”Memory space” owns an aura that raises the visitor’s awareness of past events at this place. Although often the correlation of the past events and current issues are not apparent.

Memorials are memory spaces. A “hacked memorial” takes on and redirects the visitor’s attention towards a current and relevant topic. Imitating the appearance of the memorial, the “hack” stays unnoticed for as long as possible and the so far unacknowledged urgent issue gains its audience. The relevance of the historical place is renewed.

The Berlin Wall Memorial is the central memorial site of German division. A border that people tried to cross to flee from persecution or just hoping for a better future, risking their lives. Five objects were secretly placed at this memorial, drawing parallels to the current tragedies at the European borders. The hacked memorial now reveals this recurring inhumanity.