SaSA and MAMCO in Geneva: Images, Memory, and the History of Artworks

Cities hold stories that are not immediately visible. In Geneva, the exhibition SaSA x MAMCO—on view from September 5 to November 15, 2026—brings works by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige to the Site archéologique Saint-Antoine (Esplanade Théodelinde 1). It is here, rather than at MAMCO’s main venue, that the exhibition takes place. Through Palimpsests, Time Capsules, and Trilogies, the project explores the connections between images, research, and archaeology.

Memory Requires Corroboration

The exhibition invites us to look beneath the surface. In the context of collecting, this approach translates into a focus on the material and documentary history of an artwork. This is not about conflating artists’ research with an authentication process; rather, it is about recognizing how context can shift the way we interpret an object.

An image preserved within a family may come with accompanying stories, dates, and names. The first step is to record these details exactly as they are, without alteration. The second step is to seek corroboration—through purchase records, correspondence, catalogs, photographs, or inscriptions. Gaps in the record should remain visible, rather than being filled in with a plausible-sounding narrative.

A Photograph of an Artwork, or an Artwork That Is a Photograph?

A photograph may serve to document an installation, or it may exist as an independent work of art. This distinction does not depend solely on its appearance.

The title, technique, format, edition (if applicable), and any transfer-of-ownership documents help clarify the intended purpose of a given piece. Consequently, a print originating from an archive requires careful examination before it can be classified as a work intended for the art market.

If you possess photographs or works on paper in Geneva, start by taking images of both the front and the back—and please, do not attempt to remove delicate mountings yourself. Record all stamps and annotations exactly as they appear, including any technical-looking notations; these may prove instrumental in reconstructing the work’s production and provenance.

From a family archive to a valuation request

The quality of your initial information is far more important than a hasty attribution. Assign a unique number to each item and keep all related documentation together. For guidance on preparing images, our resource on how to photograph an artwork for valuation offers useful tips, even when dealing with a diverse collection of items.

Do you own artworks or photographs in Geneva and wish to uncover their history and potential appeal to collectors? Submit a request to Colucci Arte, specifying the type of items, the quantity, and the documentation you have available. This information will help determine what further research is necessary before a financial valuation can be provided.

Exhibition information verified on November 6, 2026. Official source and visitor updates. Dates and programs may be updated by the organizer.

Cover image: SaSA x MAMCO, Site archéologique Saint-Antoine, Geneva. Photo: Nicole Zermatten, City of Geneva