Museum of emotion: artefacts of separation and memory

Objects, when understood as retrieval cues for memories, may elicit psychological benefits and connections to an individual's past. They are integral to our life story and help to form our individual sense of identity and ability to establish a sound psychological foundation. Transitional objects are an important related category of objects that have been identified in this research. The concept and use of transitional objects and their related phenomena during infancy is well researched, whereas the impact and importance beyond infancy is less established. This study researches this phenomenon through the creative works made for this project. The methodology for this project synthesises established areas of research on memory and psychoanalysis from the perspective of an art-based investigation. Objects have been reimagined and re-made into artefacts using thread, wool fibres and silk for this practice- based project. Stitching and writing have been structured into artefacts to signify a trace of time, motion, emotion and memory. It is the exploration of the retrieval cue for memory and the adult version of the transitional object that is significant and key to the research. The research for this project seeks a deeper understanding of transitional objects during any stage of life. This research contributes to the fields of fine art, memory and psychology. Further inquiries for personal and psychoanalytical research may assist in understanding the potential of this research and its application for adults. Developing areas such as art therapy and the psychological support that extrapolates on an infant's recognised use of a transitional object.