Kumkum Fernando

Kumkum Fernando


Born in Sri Lanka to an antiques collector, Kumkum Fernando has been gathering objects and stories since childhood. His work bridges fine art and design, drawing on Sri Lanka’s rich visual and spiritual heritage. 

His giant sculptures feel like relics from another world — robots, gods, and guardians built from painted blocks, pattern by pattern, colour by colour. We adore his work, somewhere between a playground and a temple. 

  • You, in a nutshell?

    An obsessive lover of the universe’s unsolved mysteries, trying to make sense of life and find meaning in existence. Mostly at peace when making things.

  • Where is home?

    Somewhere between Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saigon, Vietnam and Schwerin, Germany.

  • What did you wanna be when you grow up?

    A Botanist, Archaeologist, Astrologer, or an Astronaut.

  • What did you become?

    Artist & designer.

  • Who do you want to be when you grow up?

    10 headed Ravana, King of Lanka.

  • Your most prized possession?

    A hand drawn book of quotes and life advise from my late father.

  • The best gift you ever gave?

    The book Be here now by Ram Das.

  • The ugliest item you own and dearly love?

    A broken tail light from an old transportation machine… or maybe spaceship.  

  • An obsession?

    Documenting patterns of old buildings, doors, objects. Everything I come across.

  • A scoop?

    I just released my first furniture piece titled the 27th Century Collectors Cabinet.

  • A proud moment?

    Coachella 2023.

  • A contemporary kindred spirit?

    Karla Knight.

  • An all-time hero?

    Moebius aka Jean Giraud.