Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige｜Your Faith is in your hand

Date: Friday, October 20th, at 11:30 am

Address: 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris,Monnaie de Paris

Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige (1980, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka) is a versatile artist known for her multidisciplinary approach, which encompasses textile, audio & video, photography, embroidery on diverse surfaces, and captivating performances within her artistic installations. Central to her creative expression is the use of textile, often referred to as the "second skin" that her work dons.

She holds a profound belief in the transformative power of clothing, viewing them as more than mere garments. In her eyes, textiles can serve as both a shield against life's vulnerabilities and a means to bind individuals together, akin to the strength of woven threads, resilient against the tests of time and human interference. Yet, she acknowledges the inevitable limitations of textiles as they eventually fray and tear with age.

The thematic core of her work revolves around subjects that delve into forgotten colonial histories, the Sri Lankan diaspora, identity, the experiences of women migrant workers, women and children in conflict-ridden regions, and the stories of unsung feminists. Deneth Piumakshi Veda Arachchige's artistic practice treads the fine line between art and activism, intentionally exploring the tension that exists between the two. Her adept use of layering various mediums within her works allows her to weave a seamless narrative that unites the past, present, and future in a harmonious dialogue.

Your Faith is in Your Hand

At the heart of her creative output lies a compelling series of textiles and a live performance titled Your Faith is in Your Hand. This immersive experience intricately weaves together elements of the body, identity, memories, poetry, and resistance, all of which have profoundly inspired her artistic journey. In Your Faith is in Your Hand, she embroiders a heart on a volunteer's palm, infusing a profound and personal connection into her work. Depending on the project, she may select a specific volunteer or engage with a member of the public. The embroidery process is a deliberate and meaningful exchange, involving discussions with the participant, a process that typically takes forty to fifty minutes to complete. To make her work accessible to a wider audience, the live embroidery process can be projected onto a wall, enabling people to engage with it from a distance while still appreciating its intricate details.

*The artist is presented by Gandy Gallery.