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Artworks
T. Vinoja
Waves and Wandering Boats, 2025Needle work on fabric57 1/2 x 36 1/4 in
146 x 92 cmIn this work, Vinoja recalls the tragic events of Mullivaikkal in northern Sri Lanka during the final days of the civil war, when civilians fled toward the coast in a...In this work, Vinoja recalls the tragic events of Mullivaikkal in northern Sri Lanka during the final days of the civil war, when civilians fled toward the coast in a desperate attempt to escape—often aiming for Trincomalee in the east. Surrounded by airstrikes and naval blockades, escape was nearly impossible. The work reflects on forced displacement, fear, and the urgent search for safety experienced by those navigating a war-torn island. Bunkers—recurring spatial elements in Vinoja’s practice—also appear here. As the conflict intensified, boats also became makeshift shelters. In this context, the bunker becomes more than a wartime structure; it stands as a symbol of survival and resilience, offering refuge amid the widespread destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals.