"Imec's Pieces of the Dream World" in the Realm of Imagination
Uncovering the Mysteries of the Institute for Contemporary Edition Memories
The Institute for Contemporary Edition Memories (IMEC), located on the outskirts of Caen (Calvados), is a treasure trove of historical documents and resources. Housed in a former abbey, IMEC boasts over 700 collections of writers, artists, and thinkers from the 20th and 21st centuries.
One such collection, which has gained considerable attention, is the archive that ultimately resulted in the publication of the book "The Bank of Dreams" in 1979. This archive, a vast mine of 18 kilometers, was the outcome of a large anthropological survey conducted in the 1970s. The survey, led by Jean and Françoise Duvignaud and Jean-Pierre Corbeau, involved interviewing thousands of people across France, including a 30-year-old farmer.
The farmer's interview, among others, is part of the exhibition "Fragments of the Dream," curated by Claire Paulhan and philosopher Olivier Schefer. Paulhan, a former member of IMEC, has also authored a book titled "Fragments of the Dream." Schefer, too, has a book bearing the same title. In his book, Schefer delves into the recurring dreams of individuals, including the farmer's dream where he is tall, well-built, and running on a stadium while his wife compliments him.
The IMEC archives are not accessible to the public without passing through several heavy doors. Once inside, one is greeted by a vast library, a testament to the institute's dedication to preserving literary and contemporary editions. The IMEC archives serve as a rich source of information for scholars, historians, and anyone interested in exploring the human psyche and the dreams that shape our lives.
While there is no direct connection or collaboration between "The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares," an educational and creative storytelling program, and IMEC, the influence of the IMEC archives on the world of literature and anthropology is undeniable. The IMEC archives continue to provide valuable insights into the human experience, inviting us to delve deeper into our dreams and nightmares, and perhaps, find the stories that lie within.
[1] The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares Project Website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bankofdreamsandnightmares.com/
[2] Goldsmith, N. (n.d.). About Nick Goldsmith. Retrieved from https://nickgoldsmith.com/about/
- To complement the life stories documented within the Institute for Contemporary Edition Memories (IMEC), one might find inspiration in interior-design aesthetics that reflect a sustainable-living approach, emphasizing the anthropological insights of the Dream Fragments exhibition.
- For an immersive living experience that cultivates a lifestyle symbiotic with outdoor-living, incorporating home-and-garden elements that are both eco-friendly and elegant could mirror the ideologies promoted by the IMEC archives, nurturing a harmonious relationship with the environment.
- As the IMEC archives serve as a valuable source for exploring the human psyche, aspirants in the realm of contemporary interior-design may draw inspiration from these collections, crafting unique designs that reflect and foster a sense of sustainable-living, by integrating innovative designs that resonate with the dreams and nightmares that shape our lives.
