Pulasthi Handunge (2024) Reflections, Roots Unbound 01

Galle Fort transforms into a living museum during the Galle Literary Festival Jan 25 - 28, 2024 as we present Art Trail - Galle Fort in the Contemporary Edition together across charming venues with historic flair enamoured by the works of art by Sri Lankan & International Modern & Contemporary Artists exploring potent questions on the island’s beauty & bereavement, history and heritage. Taking place across the historic Galle Fort Hotel, the enigmatic Landesi, the quaint Thambili House by Edwards Collection, the sublime Fort Printers, the ornate Charleston, the mesmerizing Mirissa Hills and Jetwing Lighthouse where the launch of ARTRA Magazine’s Laki Senanayake edition was celebrated in all grandeur, amidst the artist’s most acclaimed sculpted handrail of heroic soldiers will host Art Trail’s series of curated art exhibitions, artist tours, open houses and ARTRA’s Exclusive Magazine Launch which explores Galle Fort’s cultural significance and enduring appeal through the lens of art and architecture, at 33 Leyn Baan Street at 4.15 pm on Saturday, the 27th of January bringing together an eclectic group of art personalities, both established and emerging, including ARTRA Magazine’s Best of 2023, 2022 & 2020.

This year, Art Trail presents a genre-spanning collection of nearly 200 works of art. The programme entails a unique opportunity for participants of the festival to explore and engage with the ancient cultural site that is the Galle Fort through hundreds of contemporary works, and have the chance to engage with artists, architects authors and academics from Sri Lanka, England, Western Europe and across South Asia.

Art Exhibitions 

The Art Trail’s host of art exhibitions aim to maximize guests’ experience and understanding of the curated art collections dispersed around the Galle Fort, and will thus feature curated tours by renowned artists and art personalities that will expand people’s knowledge of both the art and artists. As such, The first day of the festival opens on 25th January with a curated tour at 2pm in the Fort Printers led by Belgian-born and Sri Lanka-based contemporary artist Fabienne Francotte herself of her exhibition “Do You Remember Me?”. Showcasing her works that deal with subjects that surpassed media reports and news declarations in bringing to light the many inflictions and emotions faced by those confronting violence. An unapologetically poignant collection, her works encapsulate the disheartening incidents and highlight the dynamicity of visual art in depicting compelling testaments of the consequences of the tragic incidents. Her exhibition showcases faces portrayed strongly, depicting an intense array of emotion following trauma; often inspired by the individuals she encounters. She captures the chaos that lies within the external features of humans in her drawings.

100 Actresses by graffiti artist Charles Uzzell-Edwards is a bright and visually stunning exhibition of graffiti style portraits. As the name suggests, this exhibition is a broad-spanning collection of 100 works of art, a myriad of 100 famous actresses known for their beauty. Inspired by asking an Artificial Intelligence to make him a list of 100 actresses, which he could draw to add to his ‘Nightmares Series’ portraits, Uzelli embarked on this artistic behemoth with the following mantra in mind. “The AI suggested them, but did not create them. That was my job.” Though like the rest of the free art exhibitions, this exhibit will be free for public perusal from the 25th of January, Day 2 of the Art Trail on 26 January promises an exclusive curated tour by Uzzell Edwards of his immense collection at 5pm, at The Charleston. 

Serendipity by award-winning Indian street photographer Vineet Vohra will be displayed at Thambili House during the Art Trail. Day 4 of the festival on  28 January will involve an exclusive art tour of his collection of photographs. Vineet Vohra’s exhibition displays the soul of his street photography. By capturing photographs of people, animals and scenes in media res, Vohra endeavours to relay the essence of serendipity as he understands his unsheltered intention. Serendipity through this catalogue of photographs makes the familiar into something poetic, and at times, even mythical, combining factors such as proximity, similarity, intuition, direction and closure.

The Last Elephant by John Vincent captures elephants walking through Sri Lanka’s paddy fields, with a baby elephant picking water lilies as offerings. Framed by ancient trees growing through rocks, the scene reminds us of the island’s Eden-like beauty. Twelve colourful paintings on elephant dung paper inspire us all to act to protect these wonderful wild creatures before it is too late.

ARTRA Collection Exhibitions

ARTRA will be presenting a selection of Sri Lanka’s most promising emerging contemporary artists in recent years through the Art Trail 2024, which will include a line up of 5 emerging artists and their respective exhibitions. Opening on the 25th of January,  these exhibitions will also have curated tours scattered throughout the Art Trail programme. Mahela ‘Marco’ Manamperi’s “Pixel? Visual? SOMETHING Symphony” exhibition  beckons us to contemplate the symbiotic relationship between what our eyes perceive, what stirs within us, and the enduring imprints etched on our hearts. It stands as an ode to the art of existence, a visual symphony that harmonizes with the universal cadence of the human experience. Day 3 of the Art Trail promises an art tour of the exhibition on the 27th January, at 11.15am at the Galle Fort Hotel. Alongside Manamperi’s collection at the Galle Fort Hotel, Resilience and Resistance by Mohammed Hathi will also be displayed in all grandeur. In this collection, he delves into the systemic oppression of women that has become part of the fabric of normality, within communities worldwide, as well as Sri Lankan society. Hathi depicts the realities of female discrimination through the lens of a witness, highlighting the marginalisation women face at the hands of authoritative bodies and institutions in the country, and endeavours to bring attention to the main discriminatory pillars that detrimentally affect women in Sri Lanka. The curated tour for this exhibition will take place alongside Manamperi’s on 27th January at Galle Fort Hotel. 

‘Reflections’ by Pulasthi Handunge is a collection of works that delve into his perspectives on Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis. Through this collection of paintings, the artist conveys the mounting societal pressure to migrate amidst surging inflation and an escalating economic collapse, as thousands of other countrymen flee an increasingly uncertain future contributing to a mass exodus. Amidst the push for departure, he maintains a profound connection with nostalgic notions of his local environment, encapsulating a nuanced perspective on the complex interplay between personal aspirations and the broader economic landscape. The curated tour of this exhibit will take place on Day 4 of the festival, 28th January at The Fort Printers at 10am. This tour will also feature the curated tour of another collection at the same venue– Poverty and Prosperity by Kopalapillai Mathiskumar. Showcasing his work based in Lucknow India where he is currently pursuing his Master’s in Creative Painting, Mathiskumar displays a window into his evolving artistic sentiments. Where he once utilized pigment ink, watercolour, and oils to explore the poignancy of man’s relationship with nature in his previous works, Mathiskumar wields repurposed fabric scraps and polybags, a reinvented form of his painting style that remains rooted in his mixed-media origins, that use vibrant and bold hue to challenge dominant perceptions of impoverished desperation, while scrutinizing the normality of class and wealth injustice within society’s architecture through the micro-setting of the slums of Lucknow.

Finally, Colourism by Malki Jayakody will be exhibited at Thambili House from the 25th of January. In this exhibition, Jayakody’s works display a myriad of mediums such as water colour, inks, oil paints, pencils and pens to illustrate the human race’s battles with a range of “-isms,” or ideologies associated with discriminatory practices. Colonialism seems to have considerably influenced Sri Lankan society’s views of ethnicity, gender, race and social class– through which colourism has been a prevalent bias. Through her works in this collection, she endeavours to challenge the rampant status quo that reduces dark skin as lesser than lighter skin tones, and explore colourism’s adverse effect on women in Sri Lanka.

Meet the Artist and Author Events (Free)

In the presence of the curated artworks of the ARTRA Collection featuring the works of emerging contemporary artists Kopalapillai Mathiskumar, Pulasathi Handunge, Mohammed Hathi, Malki Jayakody, Mahela Pansilu, the audiences of the Galle Literary Festival will have the opportunity to meet the artists on the 25th of January at 5pm in an intimate setting, to explore the works and immerse in their visual motifs and symbols, and converse with the artists on their artistic expressions.

ARTRA Collection is a series of works acquired by ARTRA of Sri Lankan contemporary artists namely emerging and those identified, recognized and promoted by ARTRA since its inception in 2012; who are novel in thought, critical in nature and unique in presentation. Whilst showcasing Sri Lankan Contemporary Art in public spaces in a curated format, the ARTRA Collection aims at facilitating the growth of the Sri Lankan art ecosystem and that of Art Tourism.

On 27 January, in the presence of the paintings by artist John Vincent inspired by the author Juliet Coombe latest Children’s book reflecting the plight of the elephants in Sri Lanka and the world, the audiences of the Galle Literary Festival will have the opportunity to meet both the artist and author during this session to converse on their clever use of their respective mediums to creatively address a social cause.

Art Workshops

Before her curated tour, Fabienne Francotte will conduct an exclusive art workshop on the 25th of January. Her workshop “Do You Remember Me?” titled after her exhibition of the same name, is an intimate three-hour workshop in The Fort Printers wherein participants will immerse in self-expression within forms of drawings and paintings guided by Francotte who often draws from her observations and experiences of people around her. In this workshop, participants will be encouraged to think and express themselves in a manner ‘out of the box’.

Closing off the Art Trail 2024 will be Charles Uzzell Edwards’ art workshop for kids ‘Pure Evil Drawing Club’. This workshop will be held at The Fort Printers, where the participants will learn about street and graffiti art styles led by Charles Uzzell-Edwards, a globally exhibited graffiti artist from London. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to dwell and discuss their spirit animals and thereafter draw them, which will then be displayed.

For more information about the Art Trail programme, visit the official Galle Literary Festival website at https://galleliteraryfestival.com/art-trail/ 

Launch of ARTRA Magazine “Galle Fort in the Contemporary”

On the 27th of January, ARTRA will be proudly launching its 66th edition “Galle Fort in the Contemporary, through an exclusive art talk with an exciting panel of legendary artists, art personalities and academics including Jagath Weerasinghe, Channa Daswatte and Chevaan Daniel, moderated by ARTRA’s Editor-In-Chief Azara Jaleel. The Launch of ARTRA’s Latest Edition ‘Galle Fort in the Contemporary’ will explore the Galle Fort as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s complex past and its architectural legacy, and will delve into the themes and significance of ARTRA’s latest edition– discussing the cultural significance of the Galle Fort and its enduring appeal through the lens of art and architecture, both local and international. 

Artists & Art Personalities

Jagath Weerasinghe

Jagath Weerasinghe, born in 1954, is a Sri Lankan contemporary artist and archaeologist. A significant driving force in the development of Sri Lankan art since the early 1990s, he is presently the Emeritus Professor of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours in Painting from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and later a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the American University, Washington, D.C in 1991. Jagath was also the 2017 recipient of the Arts & Literary Arts Resident Fellowship at the Bellagio Center of the Rockefeller Foundation. He famously coined the phrase ‘90s Art Trend’, recognizing the need for a framework to describe the work of fellow Sri Lankan artists at the time. This concept has, in turn, acted as a catalyst for theoretical studies into the politically conscious contemporary art of 1990s Sri Lanka. 

Channa Daswatte graduated from the University of Moratuwa in 1987 and worked in the practice of C. Anjalendran. He subsequently followed a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture at University College London, 1990, followed by a Master of Architecture in Advanced Architectural Studies from the University of London in 1991. After graduation he joined the Architectural Consultancy of Geoffrey Bawa and was involved in several projects including the Kandalama Hotel and the designs for a new official residence for the President of Sri Lanka. Currently, Channa is a partner of MICD Associates and Chairperson of the Geoffrey Bawa and Lunuganga Trusts. Notably, as the former Chair of the Galle Heritage Foundation, he was also involved in the management and maintenance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galle Fort.

Azara Jaleel

Azara Jaleel is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of ARTRA Magazine, Sri Lankan Modern & Contemporary Art Magazine established in 2012. Having published over 65 editions, she has interviewed over 1000 art personalities including the late Laki Senanayake, Barbara Sansoni, Ena de Silva whilst working with art academics, critics, historians of local and international repute including C. Anjalendran, David Robson, Ismeth Raheem, the late Prof. Qadri Ismail in building an archive of art essays, interviews and critiques through the years. In her capacity as the Director, she has partnered with established art galleries, festivals, foundations, embassies and banks in increasing the consumption of Sri Lankan Modern & Contemporary Art. Azara received her BA (Hons.) in English from the Department of English, University of Colombo and has completed her Postgraduate Studies & Academic Courses in International Studies, Marketing & Communications from BCIS (SL), CIM (UK) and University of Virginia (USA).

Chevaan Daniel

Chevaan Daniel is a former TV news anchor. He is the Group Director of The Capital Maharaja Organization, Sri Lanka’s largest TV & news media network. He currently sits on the Global Advisory Board of Brown University & Watson Institute for International & Public Affairs in the USA. A Fulbright Scholar, an Eisenhower Global Fellow and an Asia 21 Fellow, Chevaan is an internationally recognised speaker. He was also the UN-OCHA Maître de Cérémonie for the World Humanitarian Summit - Global Consultation in Geneva, and led the Sri Lankan delegation to the Bali Process’ Modern Day Slavery Summit in Perth, Australia. Known for his role in ‘Gammadda’, an award-winning rural development movement, Chevaan is also a published author specialising in the subject of ancient Sri Lanka.

Fabienne Francotte

Fabienne Francotte (b. 1959, Belgium) is a contemporary artist currently based in Colombo, Sri Lanka who exploits the possibilities of fabric, metal and clay in her engagement with the aftermath of trauma, abuse and migratory displacement. Her work often draws from her observations and experiences of people around her, including her own - transgressing the boundaries of culture and social and economic classes. Since shifting to Sri Lanka in 2016, she has concerned herself with a range of social issues present in Sri Lanka such as education, the business of sex, and religious tolerance. Her training as a calligrapher is visible in her drawings, which exhibit a similar ritualistic execution, balance and controlled gestures and composition. Fabienne studied calligraphy (2000) at Maison du Livre, Brussels. She has also been a part of a residency at KIAR Art Residency, Kathmandu, Nepal(2022). Fabienne’s work has been presented at several solo and group exhibitions in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy and South Asia.

Vineet Vohra

Vineet Vohra is a self-taught street photographer who lives his passion like a discipline. Hailing from New Delhi India with a First Class degree in Fine Arts from the College of Arts, he endeavours to synthesise human elements with the environment, and has a focus on making ordinary moments look extraordinary. In 2011, Vohra co-founded APF Magazine, an evolving street photography magazine that was born from an education imperative with a driving intent to provide a platform for emerging photographers, artists and designers to showcase their works. Vohra is the first ever Indian Leica Ambassador in their history, and conducts workshops at Leica Akademie. He has been awarded for excellence thrice by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi at the Xposure photo festival, and nominated for the LOBA award. His works have been published in prestigious publications worldwide such as New York Times, The Guardian UK, and National Geographic, and he has been featured in various collective exhibitions in Australia, London, New York, Miami, Vietnam, Tel Aviv and India.

Charles Uzzell Edwards

Charles Uzzell-Edwards, born in South Wales in 1968, is a graffiti artist known by the moniker ‘Pure Evil’ who has exhibited globally. In the early 1990s he was one of the designers for Anarchic Adjustment with Alan Brown and Nick Philip and released electronic ambient music on Pete Namlook FAX label, recording “Octopus” 1, 2 & 3 and ‘Dada’ (under the pseudonym Drum Machine Circle) solo, producing ‘A New Consciousness’ and ‘Create’ 1 &2 with Pete Namlook, recording ‘Supergroup’ with Thomas Bullock, and ‘Audio’ with Tetsu Inoue and Daimon Beail. The Pure Evil Gallery is run by Uzzell-Edwards and located in Shoreditch, London. 

Juliet Coombe

Juliet Coombe, from London UK who is now living in Galle, Sri Lanka, is the author of The Power of Sri Lankan Art, is passionate about the stories behind paintings and Sri Lanka’s creative thinking. She wrote Sri Lanka’s first guide to the North and the East Sri Lanka’s Other Half, the best selling book on the ancient citadel Around The Galle Fort in 80 Lives (now in its 4th edition), as well as Drawn To Galle Fort an artists view, Colombo City Guide, Generation T, which is an in depth look at the six regions of tea and its cuisine, The Devils Palette and a robust environmental guide for Jetwing  ‘Paradise Exorcised.’ When she is not pioneering walking trails and exploring water ways she is attending film festivals like Cannes so she can one day produce a film on the island that she feels honoured to call home. Whether she is sketching out new ideas or investigating island curses going back to ancient times, which has inspired her talk on the actress Vivien Leigh’s Brief Time In Sri Lanka shooting the Hollywood film Elephant Walk.

John Vincent

John Vincent is an artist that combines rhythm, movement and spirit in his works who spearheads Bokka Almeida, an art resort that offers a myriad of experiences from tile painting to drumming classes, in Hikkaduwa. Having created sculptures that can be found in Brief Garden, Sri Lanka, the Lace Makers House in Devon, his artistic resort in Hikkaduwa and London to name a few. He is a member of the National Union of Journalists professional photographic body.

Pulasthi Handunge 

Pulsathi Handunge’s passion lies in the intersection between art and architecture. As an Architecture graduate from City School of Architecture Colombo with a fascination for spatial character and design, he delves into the historical narratives of the spaces he explores, enriching his understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural world. He strives to infuse every piece of his work with a distinct Sri Lankan touch, thereby creating a reflection of both himself and the rich cultural tapestry that the country embodies. Debuting in 2010 with his first solo exhibition. Handunge has since participated in numerous group shows, including Kala Pola in 2019. His work was featured on the cover of ARTRA Magazine’s Best Emerging Artists of 2020. As he ventures into the fields of art and architecture, his works stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of nature and culture, all while celebrating his Sri Lankan heritage.

Kopalapillai Mathiskumar

Kopalapillai Mathiskumar is a Sri Lankan contemporary artist hailing from Akkaraipattu on the country’s Eastern Coast. Utilising pigment ink and watercolour on board, oils on canvas, and mixed media, his works range from articulating his sentimental view of nature against man’s avarice to critiquing present-day disparity regarding class and wealth prejudice. After graduating from the Eastern University (SVIAS) with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual and Technological Arts in 2015, Mathiskumar has participated in nine group art exhibitions by the ‘Non-Violent Artist Group’ which took place over the years, exhibiting their works at public spaces while also interacting with the public for community engagement via artistic expression in the Eastern & Northern Provinces. Mathiskumar has also worked on commission for the revered C. Anjalendran’s Architecture projects including that of an Ayurvedic Spa. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Creative Painting at the University of Lucknow, India, where he is now based.

Mohamed Hathi

Mohamed Hathi hails from Sainthamaruthu in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka, and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art and Design from the University of Jaffna. Painting his trauma and grief, Hathi’s works are a visceral reflection of his innermost psyche. His works of art are those of multifaceted intents indicating and representing intriguing realities and the scope of trauma. With a focus localised on the 2020 pandemic, his works have symbolised diverse nuances of the global disease– depicting affected figures, shadowed by the dark and disturbing implications imprinted by the phenomena. 

Malki Jayakody 

Malki Jayakody has participated in online, international and local exhibitions. Collaborating with Colomboscope, she has taken part in art projects as a part of social service efforts to enhance children’s knowledge of using waste material to enrich their creative ideas. During the same period she participated in The Forest School Residency program organised by Colombosope. Her ongoing Project is titled as “The Colourism & Me’’. She is currently working as a Temporary Assistant Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, and has been reading for her Masters in Fine Arts in Kelaniya since 2022. During her Bachelor studies as an upcoming visual artist, she succeeded in thoroughly preparing for her chosen study while developing an excellent understanding of Art History, Painting Studio practices and Graphic Design practices.

Marco Manamperi 

Mahela Pansilu Manamperi, otherwise known as ‘Marco’ Manamperi is a tech enthusiast navigating the realms of UI/UX as a Co-founder of ZeroOne Technologies. From Balangoda, he has a vibrant passion for art through his Project_de_marco initiative. Described as a pixelated tapestry inspired by the chaos and beauty of everyday life, Project_de_marco serves as his visual diary consisting of digital collages that mirror the rhythm of his daily escapades. The medium of pixels, to Marco, transcends digital fragments and is the storytellers of the current age, with the ability to rebel against the convoluted political narratives that linger in the collective consciousness.

Open Houses (Free) 

Art Exhibitions

Title | Galle Fort through the Eyes of Edward Atkinson Hornel

Scottish Artist, Edward Atkinson Hornel (1864 - 1933) is recognized internationally for his intricate paintings of maidens in romantic woodland settings and portraiture. In exploring Hornel’s photography, Curator Ismeth Raheem, an art historian, will take you on a guided tour of the exhibition depicting rural life in early 20th-century Ceylon from the collection in the custody of the National Trust for Scotland. Notably, the collection includes the artist’s photographs portraying the heritage and historicity of Galle Fort, featured across ARTRA Magazine's Galle Fort in the Contemporary Edition 66 (2024) celebrating the rich tapestry of the South of Sri Lanka.

Title | The Women's Histories of Sex Work

'The Women's Histories of Sex Work' shares narratives of women who have worked in sex work throughout, and as a result of the Sri Lankan civil war. These narratives highlight the complexity of their lives: the social stigmatisation, sexual violence and economic challenges that they have faced, as well as the simple joys, sisterhood and the empowerment they feel for having an independent income. The narratives speak of the need for supporting women sex workers to share their histories, and to amplify their collective voice towards accessing justice and a secure working environment. 

Open Houses 

Jetwing Lighthouse 

Experience the splendor of the legendary Sri Lankan icon Geoffrey Bawa by visiting Jetwing Lighthouse reflecting the famed architect’s interpretation of post-modern minimalism. As you enter, you will be spellbound by the sculptural staircase embellished by ornate bronze and copper balustrading by renowned artist Laki Senanayake depicting the historic battle of Randeniwala (1630) between the Sri Lankan and Portuguese soldiers (ARTRA Magazine, Works of Laki Senanayake Edition 64, 2023). Further, relish in the works of acclaimed artists Barbara Sansoni, placed upon the backdrop of the entrance alongside those of Ena de Silva in the ceilings of the hotel’s Coat of Arms Bar & Cardamom Café, those which collectively contribute to the enamour of Bawa’s distinctive architecture.

Mount Cinnamon, Mirissa Hills 

Visit Mirissa Hills, Mount Cinnamon to experience the idiosyncratic style of the renowned architect C. Anjalendran, a spirited modernist who draws from Sri Lanka’s rich vernacular traditions in his authentic approach to architecture (ARTRA Magazine, Architecture of Anjalendran Edition 62, 2022). Whilst you immerse in the visual motifs incorporated in its design, experience the fine collection of Sri Lankan art as well. The screen designed by Laki Senanayake ‘Enchanted Forest’ and the gallery runs the length of the space featuring the works of local artists. Older and younger generations are represented in all three buildings from Ivan Peiris of the ‘43 Group to Druvinka, transporting you to an artistic haven.

Galle Fort Hotel

For enchanting glimpses of bygone Ceylon, visit the Galle Fort Hotel showcasing the inimitable exhibition ‘A Scottish Artist in Ceylon 1907’ Edward Atkinson Hornel (1864 - 1933).  Curated by Ismeth Raheem, the renowned art historian - the exhibition includes Hornel’s photographs of the famous pearl fisheries on the island’s north western coast alongside his photographs portraying the heritage and historicity of Galle Fort, featured across ARTRA Magazine's Galle Fort in the Contemporary Edition 66 (2024). This collection of fine photography is part of the E. A Hornel photographic collection in the custody of the National Trust for Scotland, which you will be able to immerse at your comfort during the festival.

Lanka Living Gallery

Founded by Danish national Tomas Clausen, the Lanka Living Gallery is a doorway into the rich and vibrant artistic culture alive in the Galle Fort in the present. Displaying a roster of intriguing and poignant contemporary art pieces, the Lanka Living Gallery is a kaleidoscopic venture into the facets of Sri Lankan history and culture through the medium of art.

Written by Kavinu Cooray