Thabendran Krishnapriya Sri Lankan, b. 1987

My work is an autobiographical exploration of childhood memories and lived experiences, delving into the layered intersections of memory. Through the meticulous process of embossed drawing, I etch my past into tangible form. Each drawn line becomes a marker of a memory each impression a story reflecting the tactile and enduring nature of personal recollections.

 

This practice serves as a visual autobiography, where fragmented memories are pieced together into a cohesive narrative. The tactile quality of the drawings and the act of embossing echo the physicality of memory itself, grounding ephemeral experiences in material form. The use of embossed drawing symbolizes both resilience and permanence each mark a testament to the moments that have shaped my sense of self.


I incorporate various forms and painting techniques into my work to express empathy and invite emotional engagement. These visual approaches allow the work to resonate on multiple levels, evoking a range of feelings in viewers while deepening the connection to the stories being told.

 

Embossing into various surfaces allows me to manifest the imprints of trauma and memory. Each mark is a trace of an experience whether vivid or obscured shaped by the complexities of personal history and the erosion of cultural traditions over time. My work reflects the dual nature of memory: its capacity to carry the weight of trauma and its role in preserving cultural practices.

 

The gaps in my cultural heritage shaped by displacement, migration, and generational shifts become a central theme. Through my art, I engage in a personal and communal search for what has been lost and what can still be reclaimed. I seek to bridge these gaps, transforming the remnants of pain into sources of connection and healing. Each piece becomes a chapter in the ongoing story of my life, an invitation for others to reflect on their own histories of remembrance and self-discovery.