Background
The current edition of a well known travel guide to Sri Lanka states 'Sri Lanka is rapidly developing a vibrant contemporary art scene'. It makes brief mention of the 'stunning textiles and design', and 'locally woven and dyed fabrics ... fashioned into striking garments.' However, it says nothing at all about modern abstract painting. This seems strange because there is, in reality, a wealth of contemporary art to be found, thanks to the highly talented and creative group of young artists now working in Colombo. And it is here that the contemporary art scene, vibrant as it certainly is, has its centre. Perhaps it is inevitable that many visitors to Sri Lanka, while getting plenty of exposure to the usual range of 'tourist-ware' - batik, carving, jewellery and so on, miss out completely on the really excellent contemporary art which is available - if you know where to look.
The travel guide is also doing an injustice to the rich tradition of progressive art in Sri Lanka if it implies, as it seems to, that the current art scene has recently developed where none existed before. The truth is that an innovative, internationally-recognised art scene has long been a part of Sri Lankan cultural life, both pre- and post- colonial, with fascinating developments across the period of political independence.
Colour Meditation IV
Sherli Karunathilaka
The ongoing violent conflict in Sri Lanka is profoundly damaging to the whole community and the art world is no exception. Artists currently working in Colombo and elsewhere on the island face considerable difficulties as they seek to gain recognition and make a living.
Art Lanka 2008 brings together works by some of the best contemporary artists working in Sri Lanka today, in an effort to raise the profile of the island's outstanding artistic capabilities. Some twenty or so artists are represented and they come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most have exhibited successfully in Colombo, Galle, Negombo and elsewhere in Sri Lanka. Some have already gained the attention of international art collectors through exhibitions in India, France, Norway and the UK. Many are graduates of the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo, or other colleges. One or two have no formal training but have developed unique styles of their own through experiment and experience.
About the Organisers
The originator of Art Lanka 2008 is Anthony Newman, who has close connections with both Sri Lanka and Bristol.
A Bristol University graduate, he was for more than 20 years a teacher at Clifton College where he became a housemaster and then deputy head. In 2000, he moved from Bristol to take over as headmaster of a school in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He retired from teaching in 2005 and now runs 'Rangala House' - a former tea planter's bungalow in the beautiful hill country near Kandy, now converted into a guesthouse. (For further details, visit www.rangalahouse.com). He also undertakes educational consultancy work in local schools.
Sam Gunaratne and Amila Waligama (also from Rangala House) have been closely involved in the development of Art Lanka 2008 and will be in attendance at the exhibition in Bristol.
" I do not pretend to be an authoritative art expert, nor a professional collector. However, having lived in Sri Lanka for a number of years, I have been more and more intrigued by the contemporary art scene in this amazing country. Sri Lanka is war-damaged, beset by poverty and, in many ways, politically dysfunctional - but culturally and artistically it is very richly endowed.
My interest came initially through my acquaintance with Ashley Halpé, retired Professor of English at Peradeniya University and distinguished artist and poet. His own collection of modern Sri Lankan art is extensive and he is one of the country's leading authorities in the field. [Several paintings from his collection and an accompanying chapter "Contemporary Art in Sri Lanka", written by him, can be found in Encyclopaedia Britannica's 'The Art of India' (2003).] Ashley's collection, coupled with his immense knowledge and expertise (unsullied by artistic snobbishness or commercial interest), made me realise what a wealth of modern art of the highest quality was waiting to be discovered. So I set out to find the artists.
I hope that visitors to Art Lanka 2008 - whether serious collectors, amateur art lovers or just those with a passing interest - will find the experience rewarding."
Anthony Newman
March 2008