Vishmi Helaratne

Images by Java Wilde. Words by Java Wilde & Liam Stretch.

For our third featured creative, we went to see Vishmi Helaratne, a Pōneke-based artist. We met them in a shared studio space a couple of months before their exhibition, which is now showing at Page Galleries.

Through art you take a look into someone else’s world. Inspired by their time working in kitchens, they use piping bags to apply paint, creating colourful works exploring themes of their upbringing here in Aotearoa and the politics of identity. Within this particular body of work, there is a focus on the freedom that places like playgrounds hold for children, a place of rebellion and a space that is solely dedicated to play.

A wonderfully talented artist, you can find their work on Instagram (vishmi______), but they’re also currently exhibiting a new body of work called 'Work from Home' at Page Galleries right here in Pōneke until the 9th of December. We would highly recommend you check it out!