Maria Angelica de Vera
Bachelor of Design
Wake - Jhator
Wake consists of a collection of unique handmade backpacks produced from salvaged materials. Based on the theme of scavenging & vultures, the project title derives from the term used to describe a group of vultures - a wake of vultures. Alongside, “wake” expresses the notion of becoming aware of - and in this case, becoming aware of our attitude towards waste and rethinking negative perspectives of “scavengers” through the storytelling of positive perceptions of vultures in various cultures.
Sky burial - also known as Jhator - is a funeral practice implemented by some Tibetan Buddhists. Vultures play a crucial role as they consume the flesh of the deceased, as it is believed that it is necessary to help allow the soul to be released from the body. Textile techniques were used to reflect the morbid nature of this theme, through manipulating the fabric to create patterns of bones and spinal cords.
Contact & More Info