ABOUT ARTIST

Nadeesha Weerasinghe (b.1990) is a researcher, textile artist, and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Visual Art, University of the Visual and Performing Arts. Her practice bridges heritage and innovation, creating contemporary textile works that explore identity, memory, and place through fabric and form. Grounded in research on textile technology and cultural innovation, her work reinterprets traditional techniques through experimental and conceptual approaches.

Alongside her artistic practice, Weerasinghe has contributed extensively to academic research, with numerous publications in the field of textile art and design. She has also participated in several exhibitions, presenting her work both as an artist and researcher. Through her practice, she creates tactile narratives that connect cultural heritage with contemporary expression and future possibilities.

Nadeesha draws inspiration to her art from the healing rituals of Sanni Yakuma, a traditional Sri Lankan exorcism performance. Visual elements such as colors, shapes, and textures are taken from Sanni Yakka masks, which are used to dispel evil influencers of the “ evil eye” and “evil mouth”. These are created using factory-wasted selvages, the piece emphasizes sustainability while preserving cultural meaning. The vibrant materials and dynamic forms reflect the spiritual and psychological power of ritual healing, merging heritage with contemporary textile practices to narrate a story of resilience, protection, and cultural continuity.