NADA House 2024

“The Lost Mystics” and the “Rockets to Luna” is an exploration of Kumkum Fernando’s personal stories, interwoven into a cohesive narrative that brings together characters and tales from his diverse body of work.

The centerpiece of this exhibit features “Formerly Known as Izzah” from the “The Lost Mystics,” collection created in 2023. This body of work delves into the quest for meaning, with characters crisscrossing time and space, unmoored and chasing illusions. They are filled with longing and unrequited desire; some weep, others dream, all struggling to cope with the swirling uncertainty of their existence. Everyone is a lost mystic, trying to find their way.

“Rockets to Luna” represents Kumkum Fernando’s latest body of work, telling the story of an intergalactic journey to reach a loved one. The central figure of this narrative is Izzah, whose name changes and evolves into different characters throughout Fernando’s body of work. In this chapter, Izzah is portrayed as Luna, embodying the themes of repressed love and longing, which are recurring motifs in Fernando’s art. Serving as the centerpiece of the exhibit, Izzah encapsulates the essence of Kumkum’s artistic expression.