Hishani De Silva

www.hishani.com hishaniart@gmail.com

ARTIST STATEMENT

My painting practice explores the balance between control and chance. Using frozen acrylic ice as a primary medium, I allow the natural melting process to create the first movement of pigment, surrendering traditional control of the initial mark. This process requires patience and shifts my role from sole creator to collaborator with natural elements. By intentionally obscuring parts of the composition, I invite viewers to complete the work through their own perception. Each piece becomes a shared experience in which both the artist and the observer shape meaning.

EDUCATION

Centennial College 2016

Postgraduate diploma - Culture & Heritage Management

Recipient of the Dean award for entrepreneurship and innovation

OCAD University 2014

Postgraduate certificate - Digital Media & Arts

York University 2009

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Visual Arts Studio

EXHIBITIONS

Solo Exhibitions

Silhouettes, The Gallery Toronto, Toronto

May 2025

ICE III, The Freedom Factory, Toronto

Feb 2019

ICE II, Art Hub Gallery, Toronto May 2018

ICE, Artscape Triangle Gallery, Toronto Jun 2012

Group Exhibitions

Jazz Fest Pop Up Gallery, The Freedom Factory, Toronto July 2019

Home*, BAND Gallery, Toronto Apr 2016

The Super Naughty Show, 99 Sudbury Toronto Aug 2013

The Super Hero Show, 99 Sudbury Toronto Jun 2013

The Amazing Sci-Fi Show, 99 Sudbury Toronto Nov 2012

The Undergrad Show, York Student Gallery 2008

Carousel of Nation, Multicultural event, Oakville, ON, Canada 2007

Breast Cancer Charity Art Fundraiser, Perido, Toronto, ON, Canada 2006

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

Gibraltar Point Artscape Studio, Toronto, ON 2020

TEACHING

Private kids art workshops, Toronto 2022-2024

Paint workshops hosted by Results Lifestyle, Toronto, ON 2022 -2023

After School Art Workshop at Sketch and Believe, Toronto, ON 2014

After School Art Workshop at Sketch and Believe, Toronto, ON 2012

Summer Camp Art Workshop at Youth Unlimited, Toronto, ON 2012

WORK EXPERIENCE

Hishani ART

Visual Artist / Freelance Art Administrator 2018 - present

Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, ON

Assistant to the Chief Programming Officer 2018

Assistant Vendor Coordinator 2017

Waterfront Exploration Coordinator 2016

Koyman Galleries, Toronto, ON

Gallery Assistant / technician 2005 - 2007