Launch of ‘88 Keys’ Art Studio showcases drawings by artist Shevan Gunesekera

The ‘88 Keys’ Art Studio paintings named ‘Revival’ by Shevan Gunesekera was launched recently to a private audience at the newly-opened Gallery at Unit 1, No. 19, 18th Lane, Colombo 3. It was one of his many exhibitions to focus exclusively on the artist’s expressionistic view of people and objects. 

Shevan Gunesekera

The paintings displayed in the 1,000 sq. ft. studio included 15 of his most visually-arresting works. His creative illustrations of his expressions portray character, and the paintings exhibited are a great example of why you don’t need anyone but yourself to be free.

The abstract expressionist’s masterworks turned out to be a visual feast set against the studio’s well laid out interior. The fifteen graphic canvases on view all included images and colors in his mind’s eye. 28 year old Shevan’s specialty is his gestural, broad brushstrokes and dramatic contrasts of colour, but this exhibition also includes subtler works bringing out earthy and naturalistic impressions. The paintings in the exhibition will be for sale through the gallery.

An old boy of St. Peter’s College, where he finished his primary education, he went on to Asian International School for his collegial studies and thereafter left for Australia where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts in Canberra. 

When questioned on his gift for painting, Shevan stated, “We are about living with art. Whether at home or in your workplace, the art you look at every day should not just compliment a space, but make it unique, exciting and personal.” 

He added, “For three years, I went to the School of Art, Canberra in Australia which is now part of the Australian National University. There I wrote, researched about many famous artists from Picasso to Pollock, who inspired me through their art movements of different times and how with the passing of time, had grown into this global phenomenon. By the age of 24, I had done presentations at the National Gallery of Australia and came across many artists in similar fields; who are highly creative. Due to this experience, I grew a passion for the arts, and this is why today I paint. Painting is liberating as it is a way of freeing yourself from the realities of the world.”