I grew up in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in the 90s during the civil war. Growing up in violence, oppression, displacement, and disruption of my everyday life made me want to create an imaginary world without fear, uncertainty, and constant danger. Later I realized that although war and conflict can create challenging and dangerous conditions, they also provide me with an opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

As a way to cope with difficult circumstances and to express my emotions and experiences. I often relied on my imaginary world. At the heart of these life experiences, I discovered my desire to expand my world and explore. I started painting as a form of expression to find clarity in my inner thoughts and feelings.

Since I was a kid I have used art as a way to find moments of beauty and joy in the midst of darkness, as a way to maintain my humanity, and to hold on to hope and love. I hope my work of art also inspires you to see the world in a new and different way.