KALA’s ‘Pivot Glide Echo’ in Colombo marks transformative era in South Asian art

From left: Paradise Road Group Digital Marketing Manager Danel Goonawardena, Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund Chairman Ranil Pieris, KALA Founding Director Saskia Fernando, Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort Marketing Director Radiesha Dluwatte, CAL CEO Kanishke Mannakkara and Chatham Luxury Watches CEO Indrajith Ranawana – Pix by Lasantha Kumara 

KALA Founding Director Saskia Fernando

Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund Chairman Ranil Pieris

By Tania de Silva

The ‘Pivot Glide Echo’ exhibition by KALA scheduled to kick off on 28 January at the Lionel Wendt signifies a major leap in South Asian art. 

The exhibition is expected to catalyze an artistic renaissance in the Sri Lankan capital. KALA, symbolizing art and mastery from its Sanskrit roots, has been instrumental in fusing traditional and modern South Asian art, thus reshaping both the educational and artistic landscapes of the region.

It is curated by Mariyam Begum with strategic input from Sandhini Poddar of the Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition is an ode to the legendary Sri Lankan photographer Lionel Wendt. Wendt’s work that spanned from the 1930s to 1944 is central to the exhibition, sparking a cross-generational conversation. Mariyam Begum highlights Wendt’s significant role in South Asian art, noting his unique blend of various themes and a hint of futurism. The exhibition showcases the works of 19 Sri Lankan artists, including Rupaneethan Pakkiyarajah, whose pieces reflect on Wendt’s landscape explorations and delve into Sri Lanka’s history of trauma and resilience.

In collaboration with Art South Asia Project (ASAP), KALA has also curated a series of talks and workshops for the KALA x ASAP initiative. These educational sessions, featuring speakers like Diana Campbell of the Dhaka Art Summit and Rumana Naqvi from Whitechapel Gallery, aim to deepen the understanding of South Asian art, bridging traditional stories with contemporary perspectives. The founder of KALA Saskia Fernando expresses her commitment to this vital cause. The program extends beyond the exhibition, with offsite events involving notable collectors and collaborations with institutions such as Barefoot Gallery and the Visual and Performing Arts University.

KALA’s project is backed by major sponsors, including Founding Platinum Partners Cinnamon Life, Paradise Road, and Chatham Luxury. Cinnamon Life shares enthusiasm for supporting KALA, aligning with their mission of cultural enrichment. Founding Silver Partners such as Malca Amit and WineWorld, along with a wide network of industry, hospitality, and media partners including ASAP, Barefoot Gallery, Christie’s, and many others, are contributing to the rich cultural experience that KALA offers.

‘Pivot Glide Echo’ at KALA is a symphonic blend of history, art, and dialogue. This landmark event marks a new chapter in Colombo’s cultural story and is set to be a pivotal moment in the trajectory of South Asian art.