‘Ornament as Archive’ asserts cultural identity and traces ancestral history, providing a space where meaning is both preserved and reimagined. This is a collection inspired by old family photographs that show delicate moments, henna motifs, and cultural symbols. These are research sources for communicating family history, culture, and Namreem’s understanding of her background through her practice. Beyond decorative technique, chasing and repoussé bring slow, thoughtful consideration to process and surface.
The jewellery and boxes in this collection are shaped by the paisley motif, mandalas, and the svastika, an ancient symbol of auspiciousness, well-being, and continuity in many South Asian cultures and religions. Interpretations of these motifs situate them in a contemporary jewellery context, conveying their significance as intimate, tactile objects.