Biography
Born on the 16th September in Jaffna, Sri- Lanka, Sukanthy (Visagapperumal) Egharevba obtained her BA and MFA degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1996 and 2001 respectively. She also holds a PhD from the Delta State University, Abraka. Presently a senior lecturer at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Sukanthy has participated in several group, joint and solo exhibitions locally and internationally. She is a Sri-Lankan-born, Nigerian-based painter who relocated with her family to Nigeria in 1986 because of the Sri Lankan civil war.
Artist Statement
Women naturally inspire me; often drawn to the pains and pleasures that are very special and peculiar to us, hence my works revolve around the theme of womanhood and also focus on redeeming the dignity of the feminine visage. As a female painter, my works celebrate women, as well as promote cultural diversity as a quintessential reflection of universalism. My dual citizenship results in synthesizing pictorial elements from the Tamils of Sri Lanka and the Tiv of Nigeria throughout my works. Thus, my paintings reflect a socio-cultural connection with Tamil and Tiv cultures. Through exploring cultural hybridism, I use my art to contribute to blurring cultural boundaries through a synergy of evidently distinct cultures which helps in actualizing global interculturalism. In this context, my practice celebrates cultural diversity within our pluralistic society, while also affirming and enhancing pride in each individual’s artistic heritage
Thank you!