Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot, a podcast hosted by Dee Gibson, the British Sri Lankan designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House on the South Coast. This podcast is raw and real with guests from authors and explorers to designers and wellness gurus, all exploring the contemporary identity of Sri Lankans through rich conversations on creativity, culture and activism.
A rich mix of controversial views, humour, serious reflections and a little dash of the naughty side of this gorgeous island. Join Dee and her guests as they uncover stories and perspectives not typically found in travel guides, showcasing a dynamic society reclaiming its narrative on a global stage.
Sri Lanka - Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting Pot
Audacity, Art & Diaspora: Siobhan D’Almeida's Creative Revolution
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/
Dee Gibson is the award winning designer and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, www.kalukandahouse.com ~ Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia 2024 & HIP Hotels Best Hotels 2025. You can follow on
instagram @deegibson2017 or @kalukandahouse
This podcast lifts the veil on what, and more importantly WHO this island is with conversations about all the things you never read about in the travel pages. Dee showcases a fascinating modern society reclaiming their identity and taking ownership of their narratives on the global stage. No subject is taboo so expect guests talking about everything from activism through art and yoga, why sari was modified by British colonisers, a performance on love and lust to episodes on forgotten heroines being narrated back into our history books and much more.