Yakkas: Everyday Exorcisms

Yakkas: Everyday Exorcisms is a series of paintings featuring Sri Lankan folk dancers masked as Yakkas (devils or demons) who traditionally perform in colorful and often comedic exorcism rituals to remove unseen spirits causing physical and mental ailments. In mundane American scenes from my own life, the Yakkas go about their daily lives and occasionally interact with people. The all-night ritual of Thovil (which could be described as a roast disguised as a ceremony in honor of the Yakkas) has more relevance today as tourist spectacle than for its intended purpose as an occult healing ritual, but I'm interested in the purpose they once served for communities who embraced them since pre-Buddhist times on the island. The original symbolism of the Yakkas is also used in scenes where I combine self portraiture with Yakkas who act out my own inner conflicts.

After the Rains

Oil on Canvas

60"x72"

2022

The Offering

Oil over Acrylic on Wood

11"x14" Panels

2022