Abstract
My research places textiles within a communication paradigm, considering cloth as a narrative form and examining the relationship between authorial intention and viewer interpretation. Focusing on commemoration, memory and subjectivity, this presentation discusses the development of two textile triptychs that were created to form visual narratives on the imprisonment of a conscientious objector in WW1, and the impact of this on his family. The processes of recalling and commemorating, and the construction of visual narrative as an act of individual remembrance, are examined from the perspective of the maker as author. This is contrasted with audience interpretations of the textiles when located in a range of buildings (church, gallery, bank and two museums). Readings of the individual images and narrative sequences are examined, exploring the symbolism associated with war and peace. The impact of collective cultural understanding and the projection of personal memory on audiences’ construction of meaning from the works are also highlighted. The presentation concludes by examining the impact of site on interpretations of the visual narrative, considering how the function of a building may contribute to shaping viewers’ perceptions of the images in the textiles.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | host publication |
| Place of Publication | Imperial War Museum North, Salford |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Feb 2016 |
| Event | The First World War: Commemoration and Memory - The Imperial War Museum North Duration: 26 Feb 2016 → 27 Feb 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | The First World War: Commemoration and Memory |
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| City | The Imperial War Museum North |
| Period | 26/02/16 → 27/02/16 |
Keywords
- Perception
- Communication
- Design
- First World War
- Textiles