The Gifts of the Departed: Alinah Azadeh @ Manchester Craft and Design Centre, until 1 Mar

Alinah Azadeh's The Gifts of the Departed is poignant in its surroundings, encircled by studio-shops selling handmade homewares and accessories that, at the time of year we visit, are likely destined to be gifts. Displayed on plinths and in glass cases are the results of an ongoing sculptural project that is deeply personal for the artist, one exploring grief and the creative process. The work on show consists of meticulously wrapped objects, which, under their bright bandages and webs of text, are recognisable as cooking utensils, telephones or shoes. On one low plinth encased in glass, what may have once been cutlery is arranged in a circular formation and joined together by words, conjuring up gatherings past, and prompting a consideration of family traditions and commemoration.

In an accompanying artist's blog, Azadeh explains how her life and creative practice were changed completely after the tragic loss of her mother, along with the loss of thousands of other lives, in the 2004 tsunami. The background given, with autobiographical details and musings on creativity, is helpful in understanding the significance of these works. Although the sculptures are beautiful and intriguing in their own right, without an engagement with the surrounding context offered by the artist, the depth of meaning could be missed.

In one blog post, Azadeh considers 'what loss can give birth to if we allow and have the courage to let it,' confirming the sense that these works represent a physical manifestation of the process of grief; with layers of laborious and careful wrapping, objects of significance to the memory of the deceased are preserved and concealed. The act of wrapping is evocative of celebration, mortality and, above all, protection, with Azadeh's bright, curious and securely bound sculptures encouraging the viewer to muse on the symbolic and emotional importance of gifting, family and ceremony. [Lauren Velvick]