Drishya Subramaniam

In a future where current traditions and cultures are affected by globalisation, how can design intervene to preserve and shape cultures for generations ahead?

This project, Memories with a Shelf Life began as I moved from India to the United Kingdom, sparking my quest to reconnect with my cultural heritage. While similarities surfaced, profound differences emerged, shaped by the legacy of colonisation. This fusion of cultures mirrors the transformative effects of contemporary globalisation, which allows individuals to freely adopt elements from diverse cultures.

Our identities are deeply rooted in our communities and upbringing. As globalisation brings diverse cultural choices, I questioned how the unique identity of my community of Kerala Tamil Brahmins in Southwest India will endure— a community where traditions are orally passed down with a language that is only spoken and cannot be written. This work aimed to be a time capsule that preserves their rich heritage by exploring daily routines through non-verbal cues.

By documenting hand gestures of various practices like meeting people and preparing food, the book evokes nostalgia for future generations who have carried the tacit knowledge of hand gestures with them over the years. In time, this book may serve as a poignant reminder of the traditions we hold dear.

My work evolved to look at past experiences, understand present needs, and design for a speculative future. Ultimately, my work explores heritage conservation and the enduring nature of cultural identity in the face of globalisation.