Born in Sri Lanka, Poorna moved to New Zealand in 2019. Initially living in Nelson, she became involved with the Nelson Arts Festival as well as IHC, running workshops on Sri Lankan mask making.  With a mother who was an art teacher, Poorna grew up with art of all kinds and studied art and fashion design at university. She worked with Victoria’s Secret, Marks & Spencer, and had her own fashion label while living in Sri Lanka.

“I understand that everyone is different in the way they process things” says Poorna. “I’m exploring a whole new world which is exciting and challenging at The White Room, learning how to support the artists”.