Rani Fankha is a Swiss Sri Lankan artist whose practice delves into identity, emotion, and the complexities of cultural and personal connection. Born to a Swiss mother and a Tamil refugee father who fled Sri Lanka during the civil war of the late 1980s, Rani’s multicultural heritage informs her work and her exploration of belonging in a world often divided by difference.

Rani’s practice weaves together black-and-white illustrations and expressionist, colourful painting, creating a fluid interplay between figurative and abstract elements. Her illustrations focus on human figures and their emotional landscapes, evoking melancholia, isolation, and the struggle to connect. These works blend seamlessly with her expressionist paintings, inspired by the shapes and colours found in nature. Together, they form a dynamic, layered dialogue, reflecting both introspection and a desire to engage more deeply with the world around her. Now residing in Esperance Kepa Kurl, on the southern coastline of Western Australia,

Rani’s creative journey has taken a new direction. Living on this land gave her a greater awareness of the layered histories it holds and prompted her to reflect on her ownplace within them. This led to a deep introspection into the impacts of displacement, privilege, and cultural legacy. These reflections have added layers of nuance to her exploration of human vulnerability and connection.

Her first solo exhibition, opening in April 2025, invites audiences to witness this journey of introspection and transformation. Through her work, Rani seeks to explore the interplay between personal and collective histories, the politics of emotion, and the ways in which art can bridge individual and shared experiences.