IN LOVING MEMORY: AN EXPLORATION OF LOSS AND GRIEF THROUGH THE FABRIC OF SOUTH ASIAN IDENTITY

Abstract

The concept of memory is very fragile, yet it is one of the most powerful connections a person can have. Loss, in whatever form it may be, leaves us with a void that is hard to fill but through those memories we find a way to keep our loved ones close. In times of unforsaken loss, many often turn to stories and keepsakes—mementos that hold a part of the people we loved, allowing us to remember, honor, and continue our connection to them. Among these, personal belongings and heirlooms hold a unique significance as carries of generational history, cultural traditions and emotional attachment. While the importance of storytelling and the role of personal objects in the bereavement process are well acknowledged, there exists a need to explore the complex nature of grief and its role in creating a lasting impact of love, identity and human connection. This thesis aims to explore the intersection of grief, memory, remembrance and material culture in the grieving process and the impact of loss on an individual; especially within the South Asian context, where personal artifacts and belongings are deeply tied to generational and collective histories. Using a combination of traditional crafting methods, interactivity, experiential design, and personal storytelling, it aims to highlight the importance of memory in the evolving process of dealing with loss and how those memories are expressed, preserved and transformed into meaningful representations.