‘Memories of Nostalgia’ by Catharina Denial is being showcased at the Curado Art Space in 2024. A talented artist rooted in the rich cultural landscape of Jaffna in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, Catharina draws from her profound experiences growing up in the turbulent backdrop of the early 1990s, using her art to explore the bittersweet interplay of memory and identity in a post-war context.
In her work, Catharina eloquently encapsulates the essence of her childhood, where the fleeting nature of time often fades away feelings but never erases vivid memories, such as the warmth of a first kiss – a sentiment echoed in the words of Samuel Timothy McGraw. As a proud ‘90s kid’, Catharina’s artistic journey serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, where she would wander the Jaffna peninsula, enchanted by its unique architecture, traditions, and the tapestry of everyday life. She reflects, “Every time I travel back to Jaffna, I feel an enchanting connection to my roots, which inspires my art.”
This exhibition manifests her recollections through a rich and immersive medium of collage and mixed media, utilising traditional Jaffna objects and motifs. By incorporating elements such as mud pots, wooden cookers and oil lamps, she recreates the ambiance of her grandmother’s kitchen, evoking memories tied to these artifacts. “I want to document my old memories through my artwork,” she said, emphasising her dedication to capturing the lifestyle that not only reflects the historical essence of Jaffna but also addresses the poignant realities of the present, as her work responds to the current economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka.
Catharina’s innovative approach transforms her nostalgic thoughts into a compelling visual narrative, intertwining her past with the present and imagining a future anchored in heritage. Her creations, which include paper sculptures and a large cloth map, reflect the journey of displacement during the war, illustrating how memory can guide one’s identity and values. “This exhibition expresses my nostalgic memories and highlights what I have lost in my life today,” she said. By capturing the beauty of what once was amidst the ruins of history, Catharina invites viewers to ponder their own values and the cultural legacy of Jaffna through her mesmerising artwork.
