The first Grief Flag was made while my Dad was dying of pancreatic cancer. It was inspired by an account of a square, black flag that was waved in the funeral procession for Ukrainian artist Kazimir Malevich (1879–1935). My black flags are also black squares, but they are made of black crosses sewn together.
The Grief Flags are made to be used. They are here for us to explore our grief in an embodied way. The flags can be waved or marched with, held in solemn vigil or danced with in vibrant celebration. The invitation is open, in whatever way you need to… Let your grief flag fly.
The Grief Flags had their first public outing at the Mildura Picnic Among Friends (2026).
Tom Isaacs 