Landscapes of Memories: Wide narrations on Contentious Heritages

Landscapes are complex ecosystems, built on a dynamic equilibrium among natural elements and anthropic factors. They bear the material traces of the historical processes of transformation and settlement, the results of cultural and artistic expressions, the evolution of the production techniques and the change of lifestyles. They retain, as well, tangible memories related to painful episodes and architectures built to celebrate events that many wish to forget. Landscapes could be interpreted, in this sense, as “archaeologies of memories.” The presentation will focus on networks of artefacts and heritage sites, diffused in vast territories and characterised by a contentious past (i.e. Spomenik, The Monuments of Former Yugoslavia; old border crossing points). Scientific studies, mapping and museographical actions founded on participatory, inclusive and multi-vocal approaches could counter a dangerous process of “memory loss”. Art and museographical practices could raise a public awareness of the importance of safeguarding difficult heritages.