Heritage Reimagined: Craft, Design, and Contemporary Narratives

Heritage Reimagined:

Craft, Design, and Contemporary Narratives

Date: 23rd November (Saturday) 2024
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 Noon
Venue: Rupert Pieris Auditorium, University of Moratuwa

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion, Heritage Reimagined: Craft, Design, and Contemporary Narratives, where Sri Lanka’s leading voices in design come together to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity. As part of IDR 2024’s theme, “Design and Culture: Intersections, Inspirations, and Impact”. This session will explore how Sri Lankan heritage is both honored and innovatively transformed within contemporary design landscapes.

Our panel brings together experts from Buddhi Batiks, Barefoot and Artroom, three trailblazing creative houses that have pioneered a fresh approach to local craftsmanship, textiles, and storytelling. Each panelist will share insights on navigating the balance between traditional techniques and modern aesthetics, the importance of cultural narratives in design, and the role of sustainability in preserving Sri Lankan craftsmanship for the future.

Panelists:

Darshi Keerthisena

Creative Director, Buddhi Batiks

As the visionary force behind Buddhi Batiks, Darshi Keerthisena has redefined Sri Lankan batik by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Since the company’s inception in 1972, Buddhi Batiks has operated an ethical fashion business designing and manufacturing both handmade batik fabric, apparels and accessories. Known for her innovative designs and commitment to ethical production, Darshi’s work – showcased in numerous global and international platforms, celebrates heritage while pushing creative boundaries, making batik relevant for new generations.

Vidurangi Gunarathna

Designers, Barefoot

Vidurangi Gunarathna has been an integral part of Barefoot’s design evolution for the past 11 years. A talented designer and alumna of the Department of Integrated Design at the University of Moratuwa, she has had the privilege of working closely with Marie Gnanaraj, a master designer and weaver with Barefoot since 1975. Vidurangi’s work preserves and enhances Barefoot’s distinctive approach to colour and texture in textiles, and her dedication to this artistry has made her a key figure in continuing Barefoot’s design legacy.

Sophia Sansoni

Designers, Barefoot

Sophia Sansoni is a pivotal person at Barefoot, blending tradition with a fresh approach. As a designer, she honours her grandmother’s legacy while maintaining the founder’s design ethos. By focusing on colour, fun, and the iconic style of Barefoot, she balances artistry and functionality, which is integral to Barefoot’s handwoven textile legacy. Her work appears to emphasise not just the aesthetics but the vision of keeping handloom weaving relevant in contemporary fashion.

Udaya Wickramasinghe

Co-Founder, Artroom

Udaya Wickramasinghe is a lecturer, designer, and co-founder of Artroom, a design studio merging artistry with modern functionality. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies, he researches sustainable fashion futures and community-based textile practices, with a focus on Sri Lankan craft traditions. Inspired by his cultural roots and expertise in textile design, Udaya integrates sustainable materials and heritage techniques, crafting pieces that bridge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Kasun Jayamanne

Co-Founder, Artroom

Kasun Jayamanne is an interior architect, art curator, educator and a co-founder at Artroom, where he specialises in creating immersive spaces that blend contemporary design with Sri Lanka’s rich artisanal heritage. His work is distinguished by a meticulous attention to detail, using sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship to craft interiors that tell a cultural story. Passionate about innovative yet authentic design, Kasun’s approach honours local artistry while reshaping it for modern aesthetics.

Moderated by:

Amani Weerasinghe

– Lecturer, Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa

Discussion Highlights:
• The evolving role of Sri Lankan cultural heritage in contemporary design
• Craftsmanship and innovation: Blending old techniques with new ideas
• Sustainability and cultural preservation through design
• Storytelling as a core element of design in representing national identity