Sri Lankan Art Pioneers: “Legacies” Exhibition 2026 📈

Saskia Fernando Gallery has launched its first exhibition for 2026, Legacies, featuring a curated selection of works by eight stalwarts of Sri Lankan art. The showcase spans nearly a century (1930–2020), highlighting the evolution of the island's visual landscape. • Exhibition Details Open until 15 February 2026 at 41 Horton Place, Colombo 07. The collection includes modern and contemporary art ranging from mid-20th-century photography to socio-political mixed media. • Featured Masterworks • George Keyt: Showcasing his distinctive "fusion" style and influence as a member of the '43 Group. • Lionel Wendt: Featuring "By a Buddhist Shrine" (1935), emphasizing his role in challenging colonial mentalities. • H.A. Karunaratne: Known as the "father of abstract art" in Sri Lanka, presenting works that blend Zen philosophy with Abstract Expressionism. • Senaka Senanayake: Featuring a 1978 oil painting depicting pastoral and idyllic Sri Lankan life. • Contemporary & Political Shifts The exhibition bridges the transition to contemporary practice with the 1990s works of Jagath Weerasinghe and Chandraguptha Thenuwara. Their pieces, such as "Broken Stupa" and "Dance of Victory," reflect critical responses to Sri Lanka's civil war and increasing militarization. • Economic Context This exhibition marks a strategic shift toward formal archiving and documentation of private collections. Establishing such archives is essential for the long-term investment potential and global recognition of the Sri Lankan creative economy. _Note: Based on published gallery data._