Ted Talks Daily – The Encyclopedia of Invisibility — a home for lost stories | Tavares Strachan

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, conceptual artist Tavares Strachan shares his passion for preserving lost stories and the creation of his “Encyclopedia of Invisibility.” Through his artwork, he aims to prevent vital stories from disappearing with time and bring attention to the untold narratives that surround us.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Lost Stories

• Lost stories have a loud voice when we pay attention to them.
• They can hold a key that unlocks our sense of belonging.
• Lost stories need to be told in ways that match the ambitions of the people they represent.

The Encyclopedia of Invisibility

• Tavares Strachan created his own encyclopedia called the “Encyclopedia of Invisibility.”
• This encyclopedia is 3,000 pages long and contains over 17,000 entries.
• It focuses on people, places, and things that have been mostly untold.

Preserving Lost Stories

• Tavares Strachan discovered the lost story of Matthew Henson, the first person to set foot on the North Pole, and made it his quest to tell lost stories.
• He brought a 4.5 ton piece of ice from the Arctic to his neighborhood to share the vastness he experienced with his community.
• Tavares created a gold satellite in honor of Robert Henry Lawrence, the first black astronaut, following an ancient Egyptian tradition of storytelling.

Summary

The Power of Lost Stories

Lost stories have a powerful impact when we give them attention. They hold the potential to unlock our sense of belonging and provide a deeper understanding of our collective history. Tavares Strachan emphasizes the importance of telling these stories in ways that match the ambitions and aspirations of the people they represent. By amplifying the voices of the unheard, we can create a more inclusive and diverse narrative.

The Encyclopedia of Invisibility

Tavares Strachan’s “Encyclopedia of Invisibility” serves as a repository for lost stories. With over 17,000 entries, it delves into the untold narratives of people, places, and things that have been overlooked or forgotten. By curating this vast collection, Strachan aims to shed light on the richness and diversity of human experiences that often go unnoticed. The encyclopedia becomes a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations.

Preserving Lost Stories

Tavares Strachan’s commitment to preserving lost stories is exemplified through his various artistic endeavors. He brought a 4.5 ton piece of ice from the Arctic to his neighborhood, allowing his community to experience the vastness and beauty he encountered. This act serves as a metaphor for the importance of sharing and preserving stories that might otherwise disappear with time. Additionally, Strachan created a gold satellite in honor of Robert Henry Lawrence, the first black astronaut, continuing an ancient Egyptian tradition of imbuing the essence of a person into a container. This satellite, launched into space, serves as a lasting tribute to Lawrence’s legacy and the significance of his story.

Conclusion

Tavares Strachan’s work as a conceptual artist and his creation of the “Encyclopedia of Invisibility” highlight the power and importance of preserving lost stories. By giving attention to these narratives, we can gain a deeper understanding of our collective history and foster a sense of belonging. Strachan’s efforts remind us of the value in amplifying the voices of the unheard and ensuring that their stories are told in ways that reflect their ambitions and aspirations.