The  Synthetic Memories project at MPRG

Next date: Thursday, 16 July 2026 | 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM

This winter, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is partnering with Spanish creative studio Domestic Data Streamers to present Synthetic Memories — a participatory project that transforms personal recollections into visual keepsakes.

Synthetic Memories invites members of the community to share stories that may otherwise fade over time. Through a guided one-on-one conversation, participants explore an early or significant memory and work collaboratively with facilitators to translate it into a visual form. Using a carefully controlled generative Artificial Intelligence process, spoken and written descriptions are converted into dreamlike images—fragmented, poetic, and emotionally resonant reflections of memory itself.

As the image evolves, participants provide feedback, deepening their recollection until the final work captures the essence of their experience. Each memory is then printed as a Polaroid for the participant to take home—a personal visual amulet—and, with consent, contributed to a growing archive of collective memory.

This project is particularly meaningful for individuals experiencing memory loss due to ageing, displacement, or neurological conditions, offering a creative way to reconnect with identity and lived experience.

How to Participate
Participants will take part in a relaxed, facilitated session involving an interviewer and prompter. The process includes:

• A guided conversation to uncover a meaningful, undocumented memory
• Collaborative development of prompts to generate images
• Review and refinement of visuals until a personal connection is achieved

Sessions run for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, and can be paused or stopped at any point by the participant. Participation requires informed consent and care givers and companions are welcome. Care givers/companions are not required to be counted in the booking.

Bookings are essential and can be made via the MPRG website or calling (03) 5950 1580 during business hours, 11am - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Image: Photo by Domestic Data Streamers © 2025

When

Location

MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington, 3931, View Map