Local art to get a global clientele with kathbitha.com

 Celebrating the launch of www.kathbitha.com, Artist Dr. Shanaka Kulatunge (centre, left) handing over one of his premium paintings to Kathbitha.com Founder Director Chandana Gunasekara while Kathbitha.com Founder Directors Vasana Wickremasena, Sampath Jayasundara and Razmal Assen look on 

• Website launched with a large collection of authentic Sri Lankan art

The website www.kathbitha.com, an online portal dedicated to showcase authentic work of Sri Lankan artists globally, was launched recently. The e-commerce platform will market and promote the local art industry globally, securing better opportunities for artists of all ages in the global market. It will target all art enthusiasts and collectors living overseas and in Sri Lanka.

“There are many talented painters, sculptors and artists in Sri Lanka who has an opportunity to feature their work in the global art market. We at kathbitha.com will give them that opening to make a mark in the global art world, whilst being able to create a demand for their masterpieces,” said Razmal Assen, a Founder Director of kathbitha.com.

Kathibitha.com will feature many pieces of art, ranging from contemporary art to paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Already several renowned artists have signed up to share their work on the Kathbitha website. Among them are artists Jayantha Silva, Mahen Chanmugan, Shanaka Kulatunga, Anura Srinath, Wasantha Ranjan, Pulasthi Ediriweera and Shantha Thapavila.

“We are confident that there will be a good demand for the collections and our overseas marketing campaigns would be developed to appeal to the taste of every art lover,” said Chandana Gunesekara, another Founder Director of this initiative.

One of the key features is that the portal also carries information on the art, the artist, techniques, styles, and the story behind each painting providing visibility to the collectors who are informed of Sri Lanka’s unique art history. The vision of the shareholders and members of the board is to create a space for local artists to be introduced to visitors who are keen to know about the creation as well as the creator as a means of sharing insights into the local creative industry.

In addition to featuring art, the website promotes affordable paintings as festive gifts and gifts for any occasion. The website provides value added options such as customising and framing to provide convenience to its customers. Whether it is within Sri Lanka or overseas, kathbitha.com supply chain team has arranged for these pieces to be delivered to any corner of the world in an efficient and effective manner. 

Sales proceeds of the paintings will directly benefit the artists and the local art community and can become a stable source of income for professional as well as student or amateur artists.

Each purchase is guaranteed for authenticity, originality, and ethical sourcing. All items on the kathbitha.com website are featured with the written consent of the artist on signing a right of sales agreement. Further, all paintings published in the website are handpicked and curated.

The website will no doubt be a new venture for local artists to explore and exploit the opportunity. The marketing team at kathbitha.com has tailor-made marketing efforts to ensure maximum exposure and opportunities for the featured artists as well as their art. 

The website is owned by Kath Bitha Ltd., a local venture. The Board of Directors of the company comprises Andy Anderson (Chairman), Chandana Gunasekera, Kishan Samarasinghe, Sampath Jayasundara, Vasana Wickremasena, Nemantha Hatharasinghe  and Razmal Assen.