Playing as Work... by Amir Amin

Memory,

All alone in the moonlight,

I can smile at the old days—

I was beautiful then.

I remember

The time I knew what happiness was—

Let the memory live again.

— Cats – Memory (Mytschall, Juergen/De Leon, Dominik/Lange/Strum, Alexis)

Memory is an intangible essence that defines who we are. By its very nature, memory involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information. Without it, we lose our ability to retain and recall what shapes our experiences. Memory is critical for development, especially in children, as it influences current behavior and informs predictions about the future. But memory doesn't just shape our actions—it's deeply tied to emotions and events, especially in our formative years. This emotional dimension is why childhood memories are so profound.

Childhood memories are unique in that they often revolve around the emotions we felt at the time—joy, sadness, fear, anger, or even disgust. These emotions give the memories their weight, whether it's the joy of playing in the rain or the sorrow of losing a pet. Memories like these can stick with us for life, shaping how we view the world and ourselves. I still remember the first time I watched The Land Before Time. The scene where Littlefoot’s mother dies brought me to tears, an emotional response that made that moment unforgettable. This connection between emotion and memory is what makes revisiting childhood so powerful.

Our recollections are often triggered by the sensory world around us—by touching an old toy, hearing a familiar song, or seeing a cherished photo. These objects act as anchors to our past, transporting us back to moments we may not have thought about in years. This idea of memory as something physical and tangible is central to the work of Aimman Hafizal, an artist who explores childhood memories through toys. His art invites us to reconsider these objects not as trivial playthings, but as vessels of personal history.

Aimman, commonly known as Aimman, has focused his artistic exploration on toys, using them as symbols of the past in his first solo exhibition, Imaginarium. His work centers around Lego, a toy that represents creativity, play, and childhood joy. When I spoke with him recently, Aimman shared how his memories of playing with toys as a child still resonate with him today. He believes that play is more than just a pastime for children—it’s their work, a serious effort they put their whole selves into. His exploration of this idea shows how the simple act of playing with toys shapes who we become.

Play, as Aimman emphasizes, is crucial for a child’s development. It isn’t merely entertainment but an important way for children to learn and develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. The emotions tied to play—whether frustration when losing a toy or the joy of building something with Lego—are lessons in resilience, creativity, and problem-solving. These emotions become part of the child’s memory and play a role in their growth. In the same way, Aimman's artwork reflects how toys serve as a bridge between childhood experiences and adult creativity.

The way children play, think, and remember is different from how adults do. But the experiences of childhood—whether through toys, games, or friendships—are crucial building blocks for the future. As adults, we carry those memories, and they shape our perspectives, our choices, and our imaginations. Aimman’s art reminds us that childhood is not just a fleeting time of innocence but an integral part of the complex process of becoming who we are. The play of our youth is, in many ways, the foundation for the work of our adulthood.

Each step in our growth, from the toys we play with to the emotions we experience, is a critical part of our journey. It is through remembering and revisiting these memories that we can better understand ourselves and the creative and emotional forces that guide our present. In essence, childhood play is not only a reflection of who we once were but also of who we continue to be.

This essay was originally written in 2016 to accompany Aimman Hafizal's first solo exhibition, Imaginarium, with a few updates from the original version.