Seth Band
Sri Lanka is home to a thriving art scene especially Colombo where contemporary art is recognised within the chic galleries and kala polas – art fairs. Listed below are some of the best galleries.
Barefoot Gallery is one of Colombo's oldest galleries spotlighting art in many forms. The place has been recognised under many names over the years; starting off as the Colombo Gallery from 1967 to 1972 the place was renamed Gallery 706 Colombo in 1991 to settle on its current name, The Barefoot Gallery since 1999. The place gives prominence to artists, poetry readings, installations, performances, film nights and concerts. Barefoot Gallery is popular for its ever changing roster of exhibits and eager cultivation of artistic talents in Sri Lanka. Always a premier in promoting the talents of local artists, it is also popular for its bookshop, boutique and café; it is where Colombo's elite meet up for an unencumbered time of rest and relaxation. Barefoot Gallery is located at 704 Galle Road, Colombo 3.
The Sapumal Foundation was initiated by the late Harry Pieris in 1974. It is located within his residence in the plush confines of Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7. The main collection comprises of over 200 Sri Lankan art works from across the country. You can chronicle the development of the Sri Lanka arts scene from the 1920's to the present day at this heritage gallery. A bulk of the exhibition comprises of art works created by the founder members of what is known as the 43 Group – an elite circle of prominent Sri Lankan artists. These include the late Harry Pieris, Ivan Pieris, Richard Gabriel and Justin Daraniyagala. The Harry Pieris studio is relatively untouched and remains as a time capsule for viewing the marvellous works of this talented maestro. The Sapumal Foundation is located at 32/4 Barnes Place, Colombo 7.
The Red Dot Gallery opened in 2007 and is now recognised as a hub for viewing modern Sri Lankan art. The gallery is run by the Theertha Artists Collective a non-profit organisation that focuses on ground breaking artistic innovations from across the country. The main focus of the exhibits there are on artists expounding on the post 1990's trend period. The Red Dot Gallery holds regular individual and group exhibits. It is located within the Theertha office housed at 39/4A D.S. Senanayake Road, Colombo 8. Another convenient option for scouring the best of Sri Lankan art is to log into an online gallery such as Sri Lankan Art Gallery; a marvellous collection of art work by prominent local artists are on display here. Browse the online art gallery from the comforts of your home and purchase an art work that appeal to your senses.
Art Way Gallery is located within a colonial type bungalow locally known as a walauwa. One of the country's best collections of art works is found at this gallery sitting within the suburb of Nugegoda. Diverse artworks from across the country highlighting abstract, still life, pottery, portraits and sculptures are on display there. Art Way also has workshops for training up and coming artists. The address is 66 Old Kesbewa Road, Nugegoda.
Hempel is a commercial gallery that has branches in Colombo and Galle. Launched in 2010 the gallery has given prominence to local artists with fairs and exhibits held in Sri Lanka and abroad. At the gallery are works by the country's best artists as well as up and coming talent. The main gallery is in Barnes Place, Colombo 7 where regular exhibits are held. If you are in Galle do visit the cosy branch of Hempel Galleries for an insight into Sri Lanka's natural talents.
