Tamara’s First Funeral

just between us

Tamara's first funeral

‘Tamara’s first funeral’ comes from a photograph of Tamara and her mum at her dad’s memorial. Her memory of the funeral is made up mostly from stories reminiscing the day and photographs of it. As is true for most of our memories at this age, much of what we remember is being round our family, and the feeling of it. ‘Tamara’s first funeral’ reflects the real memory Tamara has of that day, being held by her mum, and the importance of this relationship moving past her dad’s death.

Originally painted as a personal project for Tamara, the piece became her mum’s favourite work and now sits proudly next to her work computer while she works. As is the case with much of Tamara’s practice, once the idea has been completed and is in physical existence, they are rehomed with other people to allow space for further works, and to spread the feeling elicited by the pieces.

Exploring the grief of her dad’s death, and the links between her personal experiences as well as her social history, is a continued theme in her practice. Including letters she wrote to her dad throughout her childhood, and an article about his death (Ituah Ighodalo, Nigeria: Legacy of Destruction, 17th March 2002, Nigeria: A Legacy of Destruction), Tamara weaves a story of loss with the history of a country well acquainted with death and violence. It is deeply personal, and still deeply relatable regardless of your background.