Migrant Memory: by Raki Nikahetiya

Migrant Memory

Human history is shaped by migration. It has been an age-old response to circumstances that compel us to seek new horizons, whether driven by hope, necessity, or survival. Migration embodies resilience, as individuals and communities navigate the duality of holding on to their roots while embracing the new, defining their evolving sense of belonging. Yet, migration often comes at a cost, altering lives in a deeply personal way, beyond  physical displacement.

Raki’s work tells one such story, capturing the impacts of migration on one’s memory and identity. His art speaks to the profound impact of his family’s migration, spurred by the Sri Lankan civil war that raged from the 1980s to 2009. The act of leaving his homeland was marked by an indelible memory—boarding a plane and staring at an air safety card that both unnerved and comforted him. These cards, detailing possible calamities and safety protocols, became symbols of a crucial moment of departure and arrival—a bridge between the life he knew and the unknown that awaited. This is reflected in his series ‘Brace! Brace!’. 

 Arriving in Austria brought the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar culture and language. Yet, amidst this struggle, he found kinship in those who welcomed him, teaching him new words, introducing him to their world, and making him feel at home in a foreign land. These relationships were anchors in his journey. But no matter how far one ventures, homeland and family are parts of one's identity that withstand time and distance. Stories from home were almost exotic against the mundane realities of immigrant life. Raki’s oeuvre embodies this duality—the longing for home and the resilience found in new beginnings. In his ‘Another Life’ series, associated objects become symbols of relationships, connecting past and present and revealing unspoken stories. 

His interdisciplinary approach to art allows him to express himself through diverse mediums, often collaborating with artisans and communities. For this exhibition, he has worked closely with embroidery master artisan Reyas Ali and his team in Kolkata, as well as with pietra dura master artisans in Agra. His tokens of memory form the imagery of his works, drawing from ancestral photographs, souvenirs,  nostalgia and pop culture. 

‘Migrant Memory’ explores how memories intertwine with identity - that not only connect us to our past but also propel us forward. Raki's work is a celebration of resilience, belonging, and experiences that carry us forward.