Navigating grief through creative expression: the transformative power of art in the face of loss

This thesis reflects my exploration of being an artist while navigating profound grief after the sudden loss of my mother, Mumtaz, in 2018. By repurposing her clothes as a central medium, I engage in artistic practices such as papermaking, weaving, crocheting, screenprinting, and pulp painting, creating a dialogue between memory and loss.

The overwhelming presence of grief in my life has been channeled into personal reflection, artistic experimentation, and theoretical insights. This interplay has deepened my understanding of the grieving process and facilitated my personal growth, demonstrating how art can serve as both a memorial and a pathway to healing, illuminating the connections between grief, identity, and creative expression.