September 21 – December 1

Vimana (N1 Starfighter) (2024) is a newly commissioned sculptural installation. This sculpture is the latest in a series of spacecraft lanterns that draw inspiration from mainstream science fiction and traditional Buddhist Vesak kūdu. The lanterns are historically made from bamboo and rice paper and are constructed with symbolic geometry; Rajni’s modern rendition features plywood and translucent acrylic lit with LED lights. The work explores themes of spacefaring and immigration, incorporating the Sanskrit term vimāna (which has various meanings related to flying) to challenge Western narratives of advanced aerospace technology.

Rajni Perera is an artist whose practice explores themes of hybridity, futurity, ancestral connections, and migrant and marginalized identities, as well as the realms of monsters and dreamscapes through the lens of science fiction. Rajni’s concepts intertwine across various artistic mediums, from traditional drawing and painting to clay sculpting, woodworking, lantern crafting, new media sculpture, textiles, and the innovative realm of synthetic taxidermy. She unveils the vitality inherent in the icons, beings, and objects she brings forth. Through a subversive approach, she dismantles outdated narratives of oppression, allowing these creations to serve as a healing and rejuvenating force.

The exhibition includes a new work commissioned by the Toronto Biennial of Art. The presentation is made possible with the generous support of HATCH, Toronto Sculpture Garden, Galerie Hugues Charbonneau, and the Women Leading Initiative.

Bio

Rajni Perera (she/her) was born in Sri Lanka in 1985 and lives and works in Toronto. She explores issues of hybridity, futurity, ancestorship, migrant and marginalized identities/cultures, monsters and dream worlds. These themes come together to fuel explorations within a multimedia practice that includes drawing and painting, clay, wood, lanterns, new media sculpture, textile, and most recently, synthetic taxidermy. Perera seeks to open and reveal the dynamism of the icons, beings, and objects she creates by means of a subversive aesthetic that counteracts antiquated, oppressive discourse, and acts as a restorative force. Perera’s work is in the collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Canada, the Sobey Foundation, and the Musée De Beaux Arts De Montréal.

  • Accessibility

    Toronto Sculpture Garden

    Entrance located at ground level (wheelchair accessible)

    No bathrooms

    Site is not AODA compliant

    Parking: Paid underground parking is available at ​​Parking Indigo Toronto, located at 35 Church Street. Limited street parking is also available.

  • Getting There

    Toronto Sculpture Garden

    By subway: The nearest TTC subway stop is King on Line 1. Walk 4 minutes east to Toronto Sculpture Park.

    By streetcar: 504 King streetcar. The closest stop is Church Street at King Street East.

Donors & Supporters

HATCH
Toronto Sculpture Garden
Galerie Hugues Charbonneau