• Sri Lanka hosts global artists for dynamic cultural exchange at ‘Colombo Art Expo 2024’

Sri Lanka has long been a significant contributor to the global art scene, with its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions influencing various forms of creative expression. 

Historically, the island has been a melting pot of cultures, where indigenous practices have blended with influences from India, the Middle East, and colonial powers, creating a unique artistic landscape. This fusion is evident in traditional crafts such as batik, pottery, and wood carving, which have not only flourished locally but have also gained recognition on international platforms. 

Notable Sri Lankan artists, such as George Keyt and Ivan Peries, have made substantial contributions to modern art, showcasing their works in prestigious galleries around the world and establishing Sri Lanka’s presence in the global art narrative.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has revitalised its role as a creative hub, exemplified by events like the ‘Colombo Art Expo 2024’. This event brings together artists from across South Asia and beyond, fostering a spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange. 

The expo highlights the works of both emerging and established artists, providing a platform for dialogue and innovation. By facilitating interactions among diverse artistic voices, Sri Lanka is not only celebrating its own artistic heritage but also contributing to a broader global conversation about art and its role in society. 

This ongoing commitment to nurturing creativity underscores Sri Lanka’s position as a vital player in the international art community, bridging local traditions with global trends.

Supported by the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and the NSG Artist Group, the expo brought together a diverse array of artistic talent from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Japan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, and Indonesia. 

The Sunday Morning Brunch had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony on 6 September and we spoke with some of the artists at the expo about the power of international creative exchange.

Fusion of creative voices

To begin with, Brunch chatted with the exhibition’s Curator Imran Hossen who shared his vision for the ‘Colombo Art Expo 2024’. 

“The ‘Colombo Art Expo’ embodies the spirit of international collaboration and cultural exchange, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression from around the globe,” Hossen said. He emphasised the significance of this year’s event, which brought together 46 artists from 10 different countries, each contributing unique perspectives across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography. 

“We are proud to present one of the largest galleries in Sri Lanka, featuring a remarkable collection of art that reflects the diversity and creativity of contemporary artists,” he continued.

Among the notable participants are Sri Lankan masters such as Jagath Weerasinghe and Jagath Ravindra, along with acclaimed Indian artist Manoj Das and Nepali artist S.C. Sumon. 

Hossen was particularly excited about the contributions from Bangladeshi artists, who he noted “add a dynamic layer to our exhibition, enriching the overall narrative with their diverse experiences”. This fusion of creative voices exemplifies the expo’s commitment to fostering artistic dialogue across borders.

Beyond the artworks themselves, the expo seeks to create an interactive space for learning and exchange. “The expo is not just a showcase,” Hossen explained. “It’s a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration.” 

In line with this mission, the expo is collaborating with various organisations and individuals dedicated to nurturing international art connections. “Together, we are creating lasting relationships that transcend borders,” Hossen added, inviting everyone to explore the intersections of culture and artistry at the expo. 

Views of international artists

After making a few laps around the gallery and taking in the artwork, we decided to speak with some of the artists, many of whom were eager to share their inspirations, personal stories, and thoughts on what it meant to be part of such a significant international collaboration.

Standing as the sole representative from Japan at the ‘Colombo Art Expo,’ Motoko Wakana spoke to Brunch about her unique journey as a ceramist. Having studied, trained, and worked in Kanazawa, Japan, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and known for its rich tradition in crafts, Wakana has built a reputable career as a member of the Craft Potters Association in the UK. 

However, her path took an interesting turn when she decided to take a two-year hiatus from her professional practice to support higher education in Sri Lanka. “I came here last November as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer,” she explained. “I am currently working in the Ceramics Department at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.”

Wakana’s submission to the expo reflected her willingness to step outside her usual artistic boundaries. “My own work is typically stoneware and this piece is quite different from my usual style,” she admitted. 

“It’s more of an experiment, as I didn’t have a large selection of pieces to choose from when submitting for the exhibition. Some people suggested that presenting something different would be best, so here it is.” 

Initially, Wakana wasn’t entirely satisfied with her submission, but her perspective changed over time. “At the beginning I wasn’t happy with it, but now I’ve grown to love it,” she reflected.

Ziaul Hoque Raju, a screenwriter and filmmaker from Dhaka, Bangladesh, is known for his critically acclaimed short films ‘A Paper Kite’ (2019) and ‘Batik Babu Story’, a diploma film from 2021 based on Satyajit Ray, along with ‘Antoin Pathe’ and ‘Fossil’, which have been celebrated at numerous national and international film festivals. Raju has built a career in filmmaking, art direction, and video editing, but his participation in the ‘Colombo Art Expo’ marked a significant milestone in his artistic journey. 

“I am so grateful because this is the first time I am doing an exhibition internationally,” he shared. “I am a filmmaker first and foremost, with many short films and numerous awards, but for my painting work, this is my first. That makes it special, and I think our Curator has done an incredible job with the arrangement.”

Raju’s passion for art goes beyond filmmaking, as painting holds a deep emotional connection for him. “I am a professional filmmaker – I do advertisements and short films, and I’m also an editor and art director. But painting is my passion, it is my emotion,” he explained. 

Despite the costs, Raju was determined to be part of the exhibition. “I did not think of the expense; I came on my own because I want to be a part of this,” he added, highlighting the personal significance of his involvement in the expo.

Aroni Chatterjee expressed how deeply her emotions influenced her art, stating: “I believe in beauty; I try to add beautiful things to my life.” Growing up in a family of musicians, she described painting, music, and dancing as the “trinity” of her life. Reflecting on her experience at the expo, she emphasised the value of cultural exchange. 

“It’s been a great platform to meet artists from Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Indonesia, and more. Representing my country and culture from Bangladesh has been an incredible experience,” she shared.

Chatterjee was particularly moved by the warmth of Sri Lankans, noting: “Their smiles are reflected in their artwork. Just a small smile or gesture goes a long way.” This warmth, she said, was something she would carry back with her, as it was evident in both the people and the art she had encountered during the exhibition.

Shaikh Ahsan from India, an artist specialising in Urdu and Arabic calligraphy with influences from Persian art, also shared his experience at the ‘Colombo Art Expo’. 

Currently working as a creative visualiser at an advertising studio in Gulbarga, Karnataka, Ahsan is exploring new techniques and styles in his work. Reflecting on the exhibition, he said: “It was a very nice experience for me because, even though I have participated in many other exhibitions, the kind of response and crowd here have been amazing.” 

He was particularly impressed by the audience’s curiosity and appreciation for the art. “The understanding of art and the interest people have shown is very interesting. When artists come to international exhibitions like this, we usually expect to just exhibit our work, but receiving such warm and positive responses is very encouraging and precious,” he added, highlighting the supportive atmosphere of the expo.

Celebrating artistic diversity

Brunch also had the opportunity to speak with Sri Lankan artist Anuradha Kodagoda, who shared insights into her displayed sculpture titled ‘Talk to Me’. 

Kodagoda explained that this piece was the first in a series that explored her inner world. “I aim to express the transformation of my feminine subjectivity and sexuality – elements profoundly influenced by the acts of listening and speaking,” she shared. 

The sculpture delves into the emotional landscape of communication, where “the anticipation of a lover’s words and the joy of endless conversation become pathways to self-discovery and intimate pleasure”.

Kodagoda sees ‘Talk to Me’ as an invitation for viewers to reflect on the interplay of sound, speech, and the self. “Together, let’s embrace the beauty of vulnerability and the power of connection,” she said, highlighting the deeper themes of intimacy and self-awareness embedded in her work.

Brunch also spoke with University of the Visual and Performing Arts Faculty of Visual Arts Senior Lecturer and Department of Painting Head Sathsara Illangasinghe. Reflecting on the ‘Colombo Art Expo,’ he praised Hossen for his vision and expertise. 

“In my opinion, Imran is a very young but truly international art curator. Even though he is from Bangladesh, he had the eye to create the right synergy between the artists,” Illangasinghe remarked. 

He emphasised how valuable this opportunity was for both the faculty and the artists involved. “For our faculty and artists, this is an incredibly important and beneficial opportunity,” he added, highlighting the significance of such international collaborations in fostering artistic growth and exchange.

The ‘Colombo Art Expo 2024’ has proven to be a vital platform for cultural exchange and international artistic collaboration. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and facilitating a dynamic dialogue, the expo serves as a significant stepping stone in fostering global art relationships. It exemplifies the power of art to transcend borders, allowing for the sharing of unique perspectives and creative innovations. 

As we reflect on the enriching experiences and connections made during the event, it is clear that the expo has paved the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts on an international scale. This cultural exchange is not only a celebration of artistic diversity but also a crucial direction towards building lasting global relationships within the art community.