Meet Aruni Dharmakirthi

Textile Artist

By ProDPI

July 18^th, 2023

How it all Started

Aruni was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and immigrated to the United States when they were five. Growing up in Florida, they always felt pulled to art, mainly focused on drawing and painting. After Aruni's mom taught them how to sew as a child, they began to experiment with transforming clothing into something new.

“ I would love to open an art residency or gallery. I dream about finding a way to support underrepresented artists in their creative endeavors. ”

“I don’t seek answers in these stories; I find curiosity in them. I think they open up questions and possibilities.”

Finding Inspiration

Working in arts education has deeply influenced Aruni, teaching them the importance of a productive and pleasurable studio practice. They draw inspiration for their color palette from the vibrant explorations of color by their young students. Artists like Hilma AF Klint, known for her spiritual and Hindu Tantric-inspired paintings, and the rich Buddhist art prevalent in Asia also influence their work, and Aruni loves visiting the Rubin Museum. Cartoons, especially anime, also contribute significantly to their color choices.

When it comes to imagery, Aruni's fascination lies in the enduring power of mythology and mysticism, which have been passed down through generations like DNA. Rather than seeking answers, they find curiosity in these narratives as they stimulate questions and possibilities.

“I started using textiles as my primary material in undergrad, and I never looked back. I was drawn to it as a medium because I felt familiarity and comfort when working with it.”

Working with Textiles

During Aruni's undergraduate studies at Pacific Northwest College of Art, they were drawn to textiles as their primary medium and never looked back. The familiarity and comfort of working with textiles, coupled with the memories of their mother's sewing teachings, created a personal history that drew them to this medium.

Aruni finds a meditative quality in working with fibers, which involves ironing, cutting, pinning, and sewing, resulting in a slow practice that encourages contemplation of both content and process. Aruni predominantly works with used clothing, thrift items, gifted textiles, and materials from their archive, striving to minimize the purchase of new raw materials except through volunteering at the recycling center.

Used materials hold a unique energy and history that resonates with the Aruni. Even when working with new textiles, they consider the hands that wove and dyed the fibers, reflecting on their origins and journey. Textiles hold relatability for viewers. Everyone has a relationship with fabric because it is the clothes we wear and the sheets we sleep on. Textiles provide comfort and protection. They symbolize the cycle of life, from birth to death. However, Aruni also acknowledges the darker aspects of the textile industry, including waste and a history of exploitation.