We owe it to our elders, as they are the ones who built our communities, to listen carefully and learn from their past for the sake of our future. Thus, the audio recordings were minimally edited, removing only what was absolutely necessary. Similarly, the photographs accompanying the recordings are intentionally presented without explanations. This choice reflects our understanding that stories aren’t only told through words. They can be read in the expressions on faces, in the lines that trace their life experiences, and in their hands, which silently tell their own profound stories.

Often, when individuals enter care homes, their needs become greater, making it more difficult to share stories in a chronological or coherent way. Yet, this exhibition aims to demonstrate that if we pause, observe, and listen closely—even between the lines—everyone has meaningful experiences to share. Memory loss deeply impacts not just the individual but also their families and the community around them. Nevertheless, by stopping to truly listen and look, there is still much we can learn.

Although we couldn’t always physically capture every memory during our sessions, the nostalgia and warmth in the voices and the smiles on their faces, clearly illustrate the therapeutic and emotional value of these interactions—not only for the participants themselves but also for their family members, the volunteers, and care staff.

People experiencing memory loss are often overlooked by society; their voices frequently go unheard. However, giving someone a microphone empowers them, bringing their stories to life, and giving value and dignity back to their voices. The core message of Who We Were is simple yet profound: we must pause, listen, and acknowledge the stories of others. In a world focused on instant results and rapid conversations often driven by ulterior motives, this exhibition encourages us to slow down, look deeply, and truly hear one another.