Parade of Lights
Artistic Statement:
This installation reimagines the entryway to Parramatta Square as a gateway into Diwali. Drawing on motifs close to my heritage such as the lotus, the diya or 'vilakku' and flame flame, the peacock, the elephant, and traditional kolam design, I wanted to showcase these elements of my culture, letting their symbolism and colour speak to the richness and depth of the traditions they carry.
My intention is for the work to hold two things at once: an invitation and a mirror. For visitors unfamiliar with 'Diwali' or 'Deepavali', I want the vibrancy and joy of the festival to be immediate and welcoming with colour and light doing what culture does best, drawing people in. For those for whom these symbols are already familiar, I want a different feeling: recognition. A moment of being met by something that reflects home, family, and festival, in a public space that says these stories belong here too.
Ultimately, I hope the installation leaves everyone who walks through it more joyful, more curious, and for those it represents, proud to see their culture held so visibly, and so beautifully, in the heart of the city.
Artist bio:
Shankari Jeyaseelan
Shankari is a now London-based graphic designer and project management professional from Sydney working across the UK and Australia. Her practice focuses on brand identity and event design, with clients spanning the arts, South Asian arts, hospitality, and construction sectors. With a background in large-scale construction project management at Lendlease in Sydney and the NHS in London, she brings rare structural rigour to creative work. Her design clients include cultural festivals, hospitality brands, and South Asian arts organisations. Shankari maintains strong ties to Sydney, with active design partnerships with companies in Australia across both markets.
