An Incomplete Haunting: A Reflection on History and Memory
History is not just a collection of individual moments but is rather a living force that shapes our present and future. An exhibition titled An Incomplete Haunting, curated by Rachel Raphaela Gugelberger at 601Artspace, is part of the Fall of Freedom series of events aimed at opposing authoritarianism and censorship in the United States. The exhibition, featuring works by 14 artists and collectives, explores the idea that we are the ghosts of history, haunted by the decisions and systems of the past that continue to impact our lives.
One of the striking aspects of the exhibition is its focus on art’s ability to evoke collective memory. For example, Kenneth Tam’s “Why Do You Abuse Me” incorporates earth from sites along the Transcontinental Railroad where Chinese laborers faced harsh conditions in the 1860s. The piece, adorned with dried fruits and seeds, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost during that time. Similarly, Kris Grey’s “Capital T,” made from wooden beams salvaged from the original Stonewall Inn, carries the weight of queer history and activism, bringing the past into the present in a tangible way.
An interesting aspect of the exhibition is the use of reenactments and recreations to convey historical truths. Nona Faustine’s work, “Dorothy Angola, Stay Free, In Land of the Blacks, Minetta Lane, the Village, NYC,” embodies the spirit of one of the first enslaved women brought to America in the 1600s. Through these reenactments, the exhibition invites viewers to experience history as a lived reality rather than a distant memory.
By bringing together artists and audiences to engage with history in a visceral and immediate way, An Incomplete Haunting and the Fall of Freedom series serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective memory and resistance in the face of authoritarianism. The exhibition urges us to confront the ghosts of our past and to actively participate in shaping a more just and equitable future.
An Incomplete Haunting is on display at 601Artspace until February 22, 2026. Curated by Rachel Raphaela Gugelberger, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the interconnectedness of history, memory, and resistance in our contemporary world.
