Melancholy and the Memorial: Representing Loss, Grief and Affect in Contemporary Visual Art

Abstract

Melancholy and the Memorial: Representing Loss, Grief and Affect in Contemporary Visual Art is a practice-led project that explores how contemporary art can respond to the limitations of traditional forms of language in the representation of trauma, loss and grief. The project reflects on the work of theorists and artists who also explore the ineffability of these memories and experiences. The creative outcomes have investigated how text, moving image, sound and space can be combined to reframe the dialogue around public and private expressions of trauma and open up discussion of the potential for shared, affectual experiences through art.