Diane F. Ramos In Memoriam Yarn
Atrophy
Yarn
102 x 60 inches

This piece is influenced by the styling of a “granny square afghan,” a traditional aspect in any Midwestern home, and is in reference to my grandmother’s decline as she suffered from dementia. I utilized the crocheted afghan as a connection to my grandmother since it was customary for her to make these items for all of the women in the family, myself included. However, instead of creating the “granny squares” I crocheted “brain cells” in a similar color patter to the original afghans. The “dendrites” connecting the cells, which control brain function, are clearly breaking down, leaving significant negative space where cells once were. This piece speaks to my grandmother’s brain function breaking down, but also a breakdown of communication that resulted in the demise of our relationship.
In Memoriam