Nostalgia is (not) Productive

Nostalgia is (not) Productive, explores the concept of grief and loss through text and textiles. Referencing Pauline Boss’ theory of Ambiguous Loss, as well as her personal grief of experiencing a loved one’s struggle with mental illness, Kristi Poole-Adler questions what it means to grieve someone who is still living. This work investigates whether nostalgia is an effective coping mechanism for grief, or if it re-inscribes trauma through rumination. By using time consuming methods, such as stitching and weaving, her actions facilitate a reflective and contemplative space to mourn. With her thesis project, Kristi Poole-Adler aims to create critical dialogue on how mental illness affects familial relationships