Coexist by Randika de Silva will run until May 20 at Saskia Fernando Gallery. The exhibition program will include a series of artist walk-throughs and workshops by Randika throughout the month.
This week’s Youth Observer cover story is dedicated to captivating a world of emotions and experiences with Randika de Silva’s debut solo exhibition, “Coexist,” coming to Saskia Fernando Gallery. Using fabric sculptures, Randika delicately explores the tangled web of human emotions, from vulnerability to resilience, in a surreal and organic series that reflects the unique journey of each individual.
Randika de Silva
Randika, a graduate from the University of Moratuwa with a knack for fashion and lifestyle design, is no stranger to pushing creative boundaries. Thanks to the A4A Production Fund, she’s been able to bring her vision to life, joining the ranks of emerging talents supported by the Udayshanth Fernando Foundation and Saskia Fernando Gallery.
Youth Observer takes you into the heart of Randika de Silva’s captivating exhibition.
Q: What inspired you to delve into the exploration of human experiences and emotions through fabric sculptures in your debut solo exhibition, “Coexist”?
A: I’ve always been fascinated by the workings of the human mind and how our experiences shape our thoughts and emotions. “Coexist” is my attempt to delve into the coexistence of both positive and negative emotions within the human psyche, and how they intertwine to create a unified experience.
Q: Could you share insights into your creative process? How do you translate abstract ideas and emotions into tangible fabric sculptures?
A: My creative process typically begins with translating abstract thoughts and emotions into sketches, giving form to what I’m feeling. From there, I move into the soft sculpture phase, where I transform those 2D sketches into 3D, tangible structures using fabric. I often play with scale, symbolizing how emotions, though confined within our minds, can feel expansive and overwhelming. My aim is to represent these internal experiences in a visually striking, larger-than-life manner.
Q: You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from artists like Yayoi Kusama, Eva Hesse, and Sarah Lucas. How have their works influenced your own artistic journey and the development of your unique style?
A: Yayoi Kusama’s bold creations fascinated me during my early studies as a fashion designer. Her fearlessness in bringing forth striking structures left a profound impression on me. Eva Hesse’s minimalist approach resonated deeply, while Sarah Lucas’s technique of sculpting fabrics into rigid forms from fluid materials inspired me to explore my own methods of giving life to my sketches.
Q: Your background in fashion and lifestyle design is intriguing. How does your training inform your approach to sculpture, particularly in terms of materials and aesthetics?
A: My background in fashion and lifestyle design greatly influences my approach to sculpture, especially concerning materials and aesthetics. Fabric became my primary medium because of my familiarity with it from a young age. My mother taught me embroidery and sewing, so working with fabric felt natural and effortless. Personally, I find comfort and emotional regulation in tactile experiences. Thus, sculpting with fabrics, manipulating them into large, soft forms, allows me to create pieces that are not only visually engaging but also inviting to touch and experience physically.
Q: The A4A Production Fund played a significant role in supporting emerging talent, including yourself. How has this support impacted your artistic practice and the realization of “Coexist”?
A: The A4A Production Fund has been instrumental in my journey as an emerging artist. Previously, I used to create my art in solitude, away from scrutiny. However, receiving support from the Udayashanth Fernando Artist for Artist fund has allowed me to boldly step into the spotlight and showcase my work at prestigious galleries like this one. It has truly been life-changing and has opened up a world of opportunities for me to explore and expand my artistic practice.
Q: Can you say something about the significance of the title “Coexist” for this exhibition? What message or concept are you hoping viewers will take away from experiencing your work?
A: The title “Coexist” symbolizes the coexistence of both negative and positive experiences within the human psyche. It explores the contradicting perspectives and the duality of these experiences that shape our minds throughout our lives. For me, this exhibition is a journey of self-exploration, a way of understanding my own thoughts in a different light. What I find most rewarding is when viewers approach me and express how deeply they resonate with the sculptures, finding them thought-provoking. Ultimately, I believe the sculptures themselves convey the message, sparking contemplation and introspection in those who encounter them.
Q: Throughout the exhibition, you’re offering artist walk-throughs and workshops. What do you hope participants will gain from these interactive experiences?
A: Through these interactive experiences, participants have the opportunity to reflect on their own thoughts and experiences as they engage with the sculptures. Each piece depicts the coexistence of positive and negative emotions, inviting viewers to observe them from an external perspective. With the Creatures of Thought workshop, I aim to provide a space for participants to express their emotions in a tangible format. By interpreting their emotions as creatures, individuals may find a more human way to cope with and understand their feelings. Ultimately, I hope these experiences foster introspection and emotional exploration for participants.
Q: Your work often explores the dynamic quality of human thoughts. How do you navigate the balance between personal expression and inviting viewers to interpret their own meanings from your sculptures?
A: As I worked on my sculptures, my parents amusingly referred to them as “dark Teddy bears,” which I found intriguing. This highlights the idea that the interpretation of my work isn’t solely about the values or meanings I intend to convey, but also about the emotions it evokes in the viewer. I believe it’s essential for viewers to engage with the thoughts and emotions provoked by the sculptures, rather than solely focusing on recognizable objects or forms. My aim is to create pieces that speak for themselves, inviting viewers to explore their own interpretations and emotions.
Q: As visitors engage with “Coexist,” what do you hope will be their emotional and intellectual journey through the exhibition?
A: I hope the artworks serve as mirrors, reflecting visitors’ own thought patterns, perceptions, and emotions. By observing the sculptures, I aim for viewers to contemplate the workings of the human mind and how they contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience.
