Home in Fragments
Oshadi Abeygunasekera
Master of Design - Interior Architecture | University of South Australia
“Home is a feeling, a profound sense of familiarity, shaped by the cherished experiences and vivid imagery of childhood”
MATERIALS: Clay + Stone+ Ochre
Artist Statement
“My idea of home is rooted in the comforting familiarity of childhood memories and a longing to reconnect with those moments. Growing up in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the mountains were always part of the backdrop to my most cherished moments—watching light cascade over peaks, sunsets painting the sky, wild grass swaying in the breeze, and gathering materials from nature.
These experiences shaped my sense of home. Now in Adelaide, I find echoes of that connection in the surrounding hills, in quiet moments spent in nature, and when the landscape takes on a mauve-purple hue during sunsets. An object that captures this feeling of Home, is a kaleidoscope handcrafted by my father, filled with bits of nature that form beautiful patterns. Just as delicate fragments form unified images in the kaleidoscope, my sense of home is a collection of tranquil memories, each piece contributing to a harmonious whole.”
Synopsis
"This object represents my deep connection to home, inspired by the mountainous landscape of my childhood in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The form is inspired by the silhouette and the movements of the mountains, evoking a sense of familiarity and belonging—reminding me of the roots that form the foundation of my understanding of home This artwork is a tangible embodiment of a collection of memories that evoke the feeling of home through materiality, textures, and emotions.
The use of clay reflects the earthy qualities of the land, while the crushed pebbles add texture, connecting me to the simple pleasures of childhood—observing nature, gathering materials, and crafting with them. These experiences grounded me, fostering a deep connection to the land and shaping my understanding of home. Moving from Kandy to Adelaide introduced a new landscape, yet the familiar sight of the hills continued to anchor my concept of home. In Adelaide, the surrounding hills transform into a purple hue at sunset. This experience added another layer to my definition of home—one that I now carry with me. I incorporated this experience into the artwork by blending ochre pigments, which not only represent the transformative colors of the landscape but also the enduring connection to nature through the materials I use. "
