Doilies of Remembrance (2024)
Aluminum screening, silicone caulking, leather paint, pigment, monofilament, found doilies.
Full room installation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston MA.
This installation is a semester-long exploration of my personal memories tied to doilies, the family members connected to them, and the materiality of silicone caulking. After the passing of all my grandparents, I often find myself revisiting the moments I spent in their homes. My grandmother Marie taught me to crochet, a skill passed down from her own grandmother. Drawing on a practical knowledge of construction materials inherited from my father, I combine the delicate motif of the doily with the industrial properties of silicone caulking to symbolize the fragile, flexible, and ever-evolving nature of family relationships.
Delicate porcelain pizzelles (anise-flavored Italian cookies) rest atop the doilies, evoking the presence of altars and remembrance. The installation is divided into four sections, each representing one of my grandparents. A monochromatic palette brings the texture and form to the forefront, emphasizing the tactile qualities of the work. By enlarging the scale of the traditional crochet doily, the installation immerses viewers in a space of longing, nostalgia, and peace.Through this deeply personal project, I honor the legacy of my grandparents using a hyper-feminine motif that speaks to tradition, transformation, and memory.