The episode features an interview with Siobhan D'Almeida, an artist, designer, and activist who returned to Sri Lanka from Dubai amidst COVID and economic crises. Recorded on a particularly stormy day, resonant of the upheavals that Siobhan went through, she shares her experience of cultural shock, her role in the 2022 People's Uprising (Aragalya), and her iconic artwork that became a symbol of unity and strength.

Dee and Siobhan discuss the transformative power of art, community projects with underprivileged children, and the vibrant creative scene in Sri Lanka. The conversation explores themes of identity, creativity, activism, and the power in creative activism and the importance of nurturing the next generation's dreams.

Summary

00:57 Meet Siobhan D'Almeida: Artist, Designer, and Activist

02:45 Returning to Sri Lanka: A Time of Upheaval

04:47 Art as Activism: The People's Uprising and Iconic Collage

06:24 Exploring Identity Through Art

16:34 Community Art Projects and Teaching

23:07 HERA Project X Community and Creative Residencies

25:20 Upcoming Projects

About Siobhan D'Almeida

Self taught Artist and Designer, and part time lecturer, with an educational background in Psychology, Siobhan was born and raised in Dubai and pursued higher education in London, before moving to her home country of Sri Lanka. Her body of work includes acrylic paintings, murals, collage, tapestry work, batik, workshop facilitation, community-based art projects, and a fashion label.

Siobhan says "My work aims to blend her two loves of Psychology and Art; creating space for expression, reflection, and appreciation of the spectrum that is the human experience! "

https://www.instagram.com/siobhansgallerywall/

Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Host: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahouse

Podcast Themes:

• Modern Sri Lankan identity and culture
• Architecture, art, and design
• Sustainability and heritage
• Diaspora experiences and storytelling

Why Listen:
This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.