My Friend from the Circus

Today, empty spaces are at risk of being demolished or abandoned. Silje’s book encourages rethinking of local spaces, evaluating past and current functions and possibilities of the future. Through making, Silje’s connection to the space has been reinforced as she tried finding meaning within. The circus, being a place of wonder, play and imagination, was a magical place growing up. Although she was not always able to attend, the circus would make yearly visits to her town – being a consistent part of her life. Silje always aspired to be a part of the magic of the circus;however, never joining and not visiting for many years, has created distance to the memories. This book is a reminiscent reconstruction of a joyful period of time during Silje’s childhood. The memories have since been clouded by an interference of languages – that of her childhood and adulthood. Fragments of her youth have resurfaced through these memories and struggle to find their true form. Revisiting a multipurpose space near home, through layering of images and drawings, nowhere becomes somewhere. The piece invites reader’s personal interpretations of the space and ignites reminiscent memories of their own. As even the greyest bit of land can be an oasis of colour and fun for a child, the book encourages taking measures enhancing and maintaining seemingly empty spaces around us and give them new life.