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.