The Time I Have Left
From his farm in southern Chile, Hugo Küschel says the Osorno Volcano is majestic, imposing, and the most beautiful in the world. While this view has been with him every day, he often confuses it with other volcanos.
Hugo, the oldest man in the town of Las Cascadas, spends time sitting in his couch watching how the wind moves the trees on his farm on a cold winter day on July 25th, 2016.
During a childhood fishing trip with his father, Hugo was inspired watching fish going up steam. At that moment he knew he was destined to be close to the ocean. He joined the Chilean Navy right after high school.
For almost 3 years Hugo proudly served on the Almirante Latorre. He wanted to stay on this ship, but had to leave to take care of his family's farm.
On the cold winter days, Hugo loves to spend time sitting near the wood stove. August 8th 2017, Las Cascadas, Chile.
Connecting to the outside world. Due to the physical issues around growing old for Hugo, it was not possible for him to go out of his house in his last years.
Hugo watches the passing of time in the outside world. The window offers Hugo the connection from his inner perspective to the external world.
A Chilean landscape Hugo never visited. I think he hangs it to see the ocean and feel the warm weather. He never turns that page.
Hugo and Wilma once slept on sheep's wool, but now Wilma spends most of her time in a special bed for diabetes. When it’s cold, Hugo will join her as early as 3:30pm.
Documentaries, non-fiction, and news. No game shows. No movies. I wonder how much of this influenced his memories.
Wilma and Hugo. Loss of memory effects how they talk, but after 60 years of marriage, they are happy to communicate like this.
Hugo says the Chilean animals were exported to Germany. I wonder if Hugo’s mind is like his other house: full of debris and scattered memories.
The same meal every day: sandwich with cheese. He loves to talk, but is quiet when eating.
Wilma: I am cold like a frog. Wilma, a few minutes later: Are the frogs cold? Hugo: Yes, they are very cold. Wilma, a few minutes later: Are the frogs cold? Hugo: Yes, they are very cold.
I ask what he finds meaningful, but he never replies with a direct answer. He goes from one point to another. His mind is like a collage.
In a story told by Hugo, a reference to “the other day” could take place years ago. It’s like Hugo thinks his memories are preserved like these relics. They survived an earthquake in the 60’s and haven't been out since.
Although sometimes he doesn’t remember her name, he knows that he loves her.
Hugo passed away on September 7, 2017. He had 96 years old.
Evoking the complex workings of Hugo's personal memory, the collage interlaces his past with his present. The Time I Have Left is a commemoration of Hugo's life and memories, and my reconnection with my own childhood memories and sense of place.