In this body of work, I drew parallels between bodies of water and groups of women in Sri Lanka,  a connection that runs deep, metaphorically representing the female through strong, raging, still and flowing water bodies. Female garment factory workers, housemaids and war widows are the groups I focused on. 

 

Bodies of water symbolize strength and beauty and is a part of Sri Lankan identity. Sri Lanka in itself is shaped like that of a teardrop. Water is important economically to Sri Lanka as it is a vital resource that has been intertwined with the lives of each and every Sri Lankan. In drawing these parallels I found they are both a mystery and an enigma but are driving forces of the fabric of Sri Lanka. They are both fearless, strong, beautiful, resilient and connected but are hindered and weakened. Water always finds a way to flow, be it through cracks and crevices, so do women with their strength, grit and resilience.

 

Fabric adorns a woman’s body, a garment used to shield, embellish and secure.  Garments have an intrinsic connection and value to the hands of these women that hold, create and wear them. It is a part of them, their everyday lives, their ups and downs. There is an undeniable familiarity between them since ancient times.

 

Thread and yarn run through the cloth. This was to represent connections and layers of intersectionality theory. This hanging installation was a collection of history, identity, layers and parallels.