The power of design
It’s an exhilarating week with the 15th Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) unfolding at Colombo’s Cinnamon Life City of Dreams. Organised by the Academy of Design (AOD), the festival with its vibrant programme of exhibitions, immersive workshops and discussions stays true to its theme ‘Innovation Island’ emphasising the pivotal role of creative industries in driving economic recovery and social progress.
The festival which wraps up today, had its opening on November 7, following an exclusive preview event the previous evening with British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick as chief guest. The event featured special showcases of the Emerging Designer Exhibition and the Interior and Product Design Exhibition.
SLDF in a new setting: The exhibition space at Cinnamon Life. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
A key highlight of SLDF is the Emerging Designer Exhibition, which showcases the talent of AOD’s graduating students. This exhibition features work across diverse disciplines including Fashion Design, Interior Architecture Design, Motion Graphics and Animation, and Graphics and Visual Communication. Additionally, it doubles as a valuable networking platform for students and creative professionals alike.
The venue was brought to life with innovative installations, ranging from stunning concepts by Interior Architecture students, presented through vibrant renderings and detailed models, to socially impactful projects by Graphics and Visual Communication students. Thought-provoking collections crafted by Fashion Design students showcased their creative vision and ingenuity.
Innovation on show: Creative displays at the Emerging Designer exhibition (above and below)
Interior Architecture Design graduate Aaliya Aslam addressed the overlooked issue of postpartum depression creating a healing space for affected mothers, her design promoting a natural approach rooted in traditional practices. Shahnaz Laffir’s project, with a concept based on the Miura fold, was designed for those seeking to enhance their cognitive potential, blending creativity with function to promote personal growth.
From the Graphics and Visual Communication discipline, Lyandra Dewasurendra launched a unique brand, ‘Unity Blend’ that uses tea as a medium to strengthen family bonds, encouraging meaningful moments between parents and children over a cup of tea. ‘Lift Me Up’ – an educational kite kit by Chemalie Epa looks to engage and entertain children while subtly educating them through storytelling, providing a unique medium for addressing cultural misconceptions surrounding mental health in Sri Lanka.
British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and AOD head Linda Speldewinde in conversation with a young graduate
Taking a historical route, digital artist Mafrah Uwais brought to life the story of forbidden love within the walls of the ancient kingdom of Kandy. Her vibrant art offers a contemporary perspective on the tragic affair between Pramila Devi, consort to King Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, and Chief Minister Dascon.
In Fashion Design, Yalindi Pahanma embraced the spirit of regeneration with her collection ‘At Revive’, her collection crafted from meticulously recycled denim, fusing style with sustainability. Chanali Ranathunga drew on the legend of King Ravana and the Kathakali dance to create ‘Agni’, a striking womenswear collection blending tradition with modernity. Thisari de Silva turned a traumatic experience at sea into a wearable memoir with prints to celebrate life’s transient beauty.
The Interior and Product Design Exhibition was a testament to the diversity of Sri Lanka’s creative industries, proving that they are capable of influencing global design markets. Featuring curated sets by Canvas Interior Design Studio, Envision, and Balmond, alongside furniture by Cane Cult and Space Furniture, and product displays by Celsius Solutions and Hacker, the exhibition was proof of the breadth of local talent.
The SLDF is on today at Cinnamon Life. For more details, see https://www.srilankadesignfestival.lk/
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