While Dilara Niriella always admired art while growing up, she didn't always envision it would become the basis of her career.
"I thought I had to follow a more ‘traditional’ path after leaving school," the Sri Lankan Australian tells Draw Your Box. "But my parents encouraged me to do something I’m passionate about."
In 2016, Niriella won the Young Archies – inspired by the Archibald – which invites budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait. Niriella was in her final year of high school when she claimed Young Archies victory, and her art career has been on the rise ever since.
One of her more recent notable achievements was showing her work at The Other Art Fair in 2021, and as she returns to share her latest pieces at the very same fest in Sydney, we caught up with the artist to hear about her achievements, creative process and what role her cultural background plays in inspiring her art.
Congratulations on featuring at The Other Art Fair in Sydney. You first showed your work at it in 2021. How does it feel to be back?
Thank you! It feels great to be back, like coming home! It’s lovely seeing art friends and familiar faces in the crowd of art lovers who attend.
How has being involved with The Other Art Fair impacted your career so far?
Being a part of The Other Art Fair community really boosted my confidence and helped me decide to become a full-time artist. The atmosphere cultivated at the fair is exactly what I’m trying to achieve with my art. I like to say I make fun art for fun people. I also like to produce art that is affordable, so if someone falls in love with a piece, they can take it home with them. The Other Art Fair is a really great place to find work at a price point that suits you. I always give myself a goal at each fair, if I sell enough work to make it, I get to treat myself and buy a piece of work from a fellow artist! Being an artist can be such a solitary career, fairs like this are a great place to meet fellow artists and grow great friendships.
Dilara Niriella. Image Source: Supplied
Can you share a bit more about the art we can expect to see from you at The Other Art Fair this year?
Yes! There will be a few of my usual cutouts like a triple cheeseburger, a Dr Seuss book and a Felix the Cat clock. I’ll also be introducing a new style at this show. This new aesthetic strays away from my super realistic style. Instead, it leans more towards brighter colours and bolder brushstrokes whilst still exploring everyday imagery. I’m really excited to showcase this new direction!
We've had a look at your portfolio on your website and love how diverse and creative the pieces are – from a replica of a hot chilli oil jar to a rubik’s cube! What is your usual creative process and where do you seek inspiration?
As cheesy as it sounds I’m always looking for inspiration in the everyday! My camera roll is full of pictures of meals I’ve had or objects that catch my eye. When I’m stuck on what to paint next, I just scroll through my photos and there always seems to be an image I can base a painting on. I also like to delve into ideas about nostalgia and memories so I draw a lot of inspiration from childhood toys, foods and scenes that evoke that emotion. I have a studio at home – that’s where I draw, do woodworking if needed, and paint. I love having music, podcasts or audiobooks playing while I work. Tea is also essential for optimal working conditions.
What drew you to becoming an artist? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do, and how long have you been doing it?
Art was always something I’ve loved doing as I was growing up. I thought I had to follow a more ‘traditional’ path after leaving school but my parents encouraged me to do something I’m passionate about. I won the Young Archies in 2016 when I was in year 12, got offered a role on ‘Get Arty’ and from there onwards, everything fell into place. I got a BFA (Honours) from UNSW and have been working as an artist full time for about over a year-and-a-half now.
How much of a role does your identity as a brown woman, and connection to your Sri Lankan culture, play in the artwork you create?
When I was in middle school I used to paint side-by-side with my dad. His paintings were influenced by great Sri Lankan art, from ancient temple art to Sri Lankan artists such as George Keyt and Senaka Senanayake. I think the vibrant colours of those artworks influence me greatly even today. I love using bright bold colours that pop off the surface. I embrace this Eastern legacy of colour and respectfully decline the subdued hues of the West. I strive to be recognised as a successful brown woman in the arts sphere. Hopefully, I will achieve this goal!
Dilara Niriella. Image Source: Supplied
What would you say are your career highlights?
Most recently showing and selling my work in New York with The Other Art Fair has been one of my highlights! It was such a dream come true to become an international artist! Some other highlights include the Young Archies win (the one that started it all!), Mosman Youth Competition Winner, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize finalist. I was also a host on a Channel 7 children’s tv show called ‘Get Arty’ which was really cool.
What is your advice for others who would like to pursue an art career?
There’s no time like the present! Start showing your work to friends, family and even online. Before my first fair, I was wondering if I should wait to fully develop my practice before putting stuff out there. I’m so glad I didn’t wait!! Working as an artist is an ever-evolving practice, you have to start somewhere so why not here and now!