Dedication of Relationships in Ruin

Our societies acknowledge marriages, funerals, and graduation farewells, but deny any formal recognition of the demise of a relationship. If one has ever broken up with a relationship, the Museum of Broken Relationships is the best place to cure the breakdown, via donation which reminds you of your ex, and continue a happily-ever-after life in a ritual way.

Down the winding paths

Number 2

Summer 2007

Manila, Philippines

He had another woman. He couldn't make me his number 1; while I couldn't stand being his number 2.

A mobile phone

July 12, 2003 - April 14, 2004

Zagreb, Croatia

It was 300 days too long. He gave me his mobile phone so I couldn't call him anymore.

Comfort doll, aka voodoo doll

3 months

San Francisco, USA

Alexander started to collect clothing from his lovers and one-night stands, after a hard break up. Even though the intimacy was brief, he keeps them as his possession forever in some form. It is also reminiscent of the days, when he was in full control of the actions of his action figures.

Archaeology of the heart

Diary, pocket watch, necklace

4 years

Tijuana, Mexico

Diego often said to me, “There are two types of true love. One fills you with passion and love, but you clash and cannot be together. The other, you marry.” Perhaps he loved me too much.

Set of acupuncture pens

2007 - 2009

Pittsburgh, USA

I was constantly sick in the 2-year relationship. She believed in Eastern Medicine and made me special soups, drinks and herbs. She ordered this special set of acupuncture pens, but I never used them. My health changed immediately after the break up. And I rarely get sick now.

Two bras

From the late 1960s to May 23, 2011

Caythorpe, Grantham, UK

After New Year 2011, I got the diagnosis and my body was no longer something I could rely on. I have yet to build a proper relationship with the new me. No more lacy little bras or topless sunbathing. The new breast will perhaps enable me to recover my relationship with my body.

Leave with a tender heart

An hourglass

July - September 1985... and today

Sacramento, USA

I was a 14 year old camper; he was a counselor and nearly twice that. Therapists and advocates named me “victim”. I spent decades demonizing him. Sometimes we love the wrong person and the wrong person loves us. There can still be love at the core, for all the wrongness.

A parachute rig

3 years

Helsinki, Finland

I met him on my first parachute jump. I was really scared but this handsome man, who was my tandem jump instructor, “saved” me. Later, he helped teach me to jump solo. We loved to play in the sky and we loved each other. Then he died in a parachute accident.

Vintage toy soldier

July 19, 2009 - Sept 30, 2010

Boise, Idaho, USA

I liked the idea that this humble soldier would stand watch at our home when Ken was away. He lost his job in a mass layoff. I moved back to Idaho, after I found out he flooded our house for insurance. He had taken out an insurance policy on my life just prior to our scuba trip too.

The doors we dare not open

Handkerchief

years

Heerlen, Netherlands

My mother-in-law was kind. We used to talk about many things. One day she told me that she had Alzheimer and was concerned about the deterioration of her life quality. We knew perhaps that was our last able-minded talk. She gave me this so I could dry my eyes.

Reel-to-reel tape recorder and audio tape

50 years

Tokyo, Japan

A boy played the recorder, heard the voice of his mum, until he erased it accidentally. Due to this movie scene, my mother asked me not to open this recorder with my dad’s voice. How ironic it is to resign oneself to never hearing the voice of a loved one in an attempt to never lose them.

A child's wartime love letter

3 days in May 1992

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Escaping from Sarajevo under fire in a big convoy, we were held hostage for 3 days when leaving the city. I fell in love with Elma, who sat next to us. But I failed to confess to her. I never saw her again and I hope that music reminded her of something nice in that terrible situation. 

Love in the trenches

Pizza Maker (pizza mix in a box, 16.7 oz)

45 years (1963 - 2007)

Bloomington, USA

I miss you incredibly. It has been 4 years. Sorry for the silence. It was actually food allergies, gluten and casein intolerances. I had to say goodbye. How could this happen? Little did we know how much things would change. Please, stay hot and tasty. I will always love you.

Broken light bulb

Unspecified

Cape Town, South Africa

I loved looking after her. One day, she said, “I'm calling this whole thing between us off. We’re just not working,” while I was busy unscrewing the bulb. I walked out with the light bulb. She shouted after me, “Aren't you going to put the new one in? Don't I deserve that much?”

Sea Turtle Pendant

17 NOV 2012 - 29 DEC 2014

Berkeley, California, United States

He had been to Hilo in Hawaii visiting his wife and brought me a sea turtle pendant. He hosted a dinner party at his home in Berkeley. His girlfriend Karin opened the door and said she has the same one. A necklace can be mass-produced, but each human heart is unique.

We go to foreign cities.

In search of sensuality and possibly love.

And vice versa.

We get in love.

In search of making the city.

In which we reside unfamiliar.

All love affairs happen in foreign cities.

— Jalal Toufik, “Undying Love, Love Dies”