The X-Press Pearl disaster catalysed a defiant collaboration between Sri Lankan marine biologist Dr. Asha de Vos (Oceanswell) and Ruwanthi Gajadeera. The disaster served as a tragic trigger, igniting a long-simmering concern within Dr. de Vos – the profound impact of the global marine supply chain on marine wildlife. Years of dedicated research on the Ocean's blue whales, whose migratory paths intersect with treacherous shipping lanes, had already revealed a sobering truth. Now, the devastation caused by the X-Press Pearl disaster underscored the urgency of action. This scientific knowledge, however, wasn't confined to a sterile lab environment. Dr. de Vos' work resonated deeply with Ruwanthi's vision. Ruwanthi recognized the devastating environmental toll of the fast-fashion industry, a dark side of the very same global supply chain. This shared understanding became the foundation for "S.O.S. – SAVE OUR SEAS" transforming Dr. de Vos' data and oceanic heartbreak into a multi-sensory experience that empowers individuals to drive change.
"S.O.S - SAVE OUR SEAS" is a compelling multisensory exhibition that delves into the aftermath of the X-Press Pearl disaster, showcasing its profound impact on Sri Lankan marine life. The exhibition is inspired by the "kaeli - resurgence" collection and aims to transform sustainable garments into evocative textile art. Utilizing traditional Dumbara craft, these pieces will depict the ocean's state before and after the disaster, enhanced by olfactory, auditory, and tactile elements to create an immersive experience.
Together, they aim to use the exhibition to highlight the often-unseen consequences of global trade – the impact of shipping, a necessary but environmentally costly aspect of our interconnected world, on the delicate ecosystems of our oceans. They sought to bring this reality to life through art, with sustainable fashion at the core of the solution. The project begins with a jarring confrontation. Viewers confront a ravaged ocean rendered in threads. It's a testament to the destructive power of the supply chain; a woven indictment of our consumption. But amidst the bleakness, a thread of hope emerges. Guided by Dr. de Vos' vision of marine recovery, the artwork transforms, depicting a vibrant, healed ocean teeming with life. This it's an immersive journey. Textures, subtle scents and sounds amplify the impact, turning viewers into witnesses. The experience aims to ignite action, not just awe. "S.O.S. – Save Our Seas" boldly straddles the line between scientific accuracy and artistic provocation. Dr. de Vos and Ruwanthi demonstrate how data and heritage craft can inspire action, weaving despair and hope into a call for a healthier global ocean. It is a challenge for both the intellect and the soul.
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Upcoming events
Cyanotype Exhibition and Workshop, SEA Junction, Bankok, Thailand, 19 April 2025.
RCA SustainLAB x SOS Exhibition at Hangar Gallery, Royal College of Art Battersea Campus, London 29 April - 2 May 2025.
Lead artist at the European Youth Event (EYE) 2025 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 13 and 14 June 2025. Ruwanthi will be conducting an interactive workshop with 100-150 young participants, alongside Members of the European Parliament. Together, they will create a “Unity Sail”, a large-scale artwork that symbolizes ocean activism and youth empowerment. The sail will be painted as a workshop event outside the Parliment. This sail will later be used on an expedition vessel, strengthening the connection between art, science, and sustainability.
Exhibition at the UN Ocean Decade Pavilion, UNOC.
SOS Solo Exhibition - July 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
Plans are under development to show the fashion collection linked to the SOS project at future events.
Past events
A curation of S.O.S cyanotypes was shown at Queen Alexandra House in London, UK, on 12 March 2025. The exhibition welcomed around 150 students from the Royal College of Art, Imperial College, and the Royal College of Music and charity donors.
Pilot exhibition, and 'Waste to Wear' and 'Sea Change' sustainable fashion workshops at Sri Lanka Design Festival (8 - 10 November 2024)
Pilot runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Sri Lanka (7-10 November 2024) focussing on sustainable fashion narratives and ocean conservation themes, integrating upcycled materials and zero-waste design principles.
Media
An Oceans Cry - The Morning Newspaper, Sri Lanka
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2024 - The Weekend Online | Daily Mirror
Previous work
- First South Asian to win the Fashion Newcomer Award at Taiwan Fashion Design Awards
- As a Designer at Hirdaramani Discovery Lab, a collaborative co-creation space for fashion and textile research, she played a key role in The Jeans Redesign by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, spearheading sustainable design solutions that transformed waste into wearable statements.
- Runner-up in Redress Design Awards, the world's largest sustainable fashion competition, for her collection focused on Ocean conservation.
Action for Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters
This project is an action towards achieving the objectives of the European Commission's Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, specifically contributing to the objective to "Prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters" and the enabler “Public mobilisation and engagement”.