B.Design Exhibition 2023

This thesis project inspects the fundamental and life-transforming psychological consequences of the loss of a child to a terrorist incident on the lives of parents. Through a reasonable literature assessment, the purpose of this project is to explore the comprehensive effects on parent’s mental state and its possible effects on their daily activities. This project is intended to exemplify the emotional challenges that parents of the victims can go through and how that interferes with their psychological state. By analyzing already existing articles, medical journals, research papers, and case studies, it helped attain insight on multiple key psychological topics that a parent might go through after losing a child to terrorism.

This project includes the concepts of parental bond, complicated grief, social isolation, traumatic grief etc. These are a few of the many psychological challenges a parent goes through after losing their child. Losing a child to terrorism inflicts a very different type of grief upon the parents, because of the sudden unexpected situation inflicted on them. This sudden trauma can amplify the grief that can cause a parent to suffer these psychological changes. Their perception of being a protective entity for their child gets tarnished, which can cause them to undergo a severe parental identity crisis.

“Red Thread" is a poignant graphic novel that delves into the heart-wrenching journey of a parent grappling with the unimaginable loss of their child in a devastating terrorist attack. The narrative explores the parent's quest for closure, their path towards healing, and the profound impact of tragedy on their life.

Through a visually captivating storytelling medium, the graphic novel portrays the depths of grief, pain, and shattered dreams experienced by the parents. It intricately weaves together the stages of mourning, as the protagonist navigates through denial, anger, guilt, and ultimately, acceptance.

The graphic novel emphasizes the transformative power of human resilience and the strength found in the bonds of love. It unveils the parents' gradual emergence from the darkness of despair, as they embark on a profound inward journey of self-discovery and healing.