Coffee Art and Creativity by Nalinie Kodikara

Nalinie Kodikara first turned to coffee as a painting medium out of necessity. In early 2012, while staying at her daughter’s home in a foreign country, she found herself alone one day and decided to create a painting. With no access to materials—not even a brush—she improvised with a twig from the yard and a jar of coffee from the kitchen. The resulting artwork was admired by her family, as much for its aroma as for its visual appeal.

That moment sparked a discovery. Over the past 13 years, she has refined and perfected the art of painting with coffee, exploring its richness in tones and hues and developing a distinctive style.

This exhibition presents a selection of her coffee-based works alongside pieces created in more traditional mediums, offering viewers a glimpse into both her unconventional beginnings and her ongoing artistic journey.

Artist statement

The innermost feelings, thoughts, and emotions of an artist find their voice through many forms—painting, poetry, sculpture, dance, music, or storytelling. A work of art belongs to its creator only during the act of creation; once complete and shared, it becomes the possession of the art lover.

My own paintings emerge from deep within the subconscious, revealing themselves instinctively and without force. This intuitive process shapes the foundation of my theme: Thanks be to the brush.

Image credit: Image by Nalinie Kodikara as part of exhibition