‘The Ten’ art exhibition by 2020 Group from 21-22 October

Seated from left: Susantha Nanayakkara, Gunasiri Kolambage, Sunil Katugampola, Janaka Ratnayake, Shirani Nanayakkara. Standing from left: Nuwan Thenuwara, Rohan Dassanaieyake, Wasantha Siriwardena, Gamini Abeykoon and Anura Srinath

An art exhibition titled ‘The Ten’, featuring an impressive array of artwork created by the members of the 2020 Group will be on display at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7 on 21 and 22 October from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Established in the year 2020, the 2020 Group has been a steadfast supporter of the Sri Lankan arts community with its 10 members, and continues to provide a platform to showcase their artistic creations to the art loving public in Sri Lanka. 

This group is a collective of renowned Sri Lankan artists of wide experience, from different disciplines, practicing distinctive styles. Members of the Group are: Gunasiri Kolambage, Janaka Ratnayake, Wasantha Siriwardena, Susantha Nanayakkara, Shirani Nanayakkara, Anura Srinath, Nuwan Thenuwara, Rohan Dassanaieyake, Gamini Abeykoon and Sunil Katugampola.

A few members of the group are expected to demonstrate their work to the public during the exhibition.

Convenor of the group, Sunil Katugampola said, “At a time when most artists take up abstract art, which has a higher commercial value, the purpose of this exhibition is to shift the spotlight back to representational art (realism), and keep abreast of international best practices to reduce the barriers and pave the way for international recognition of Sri Lankan artists.” 

“Representational art is divided into sub-styles realism, impressionism and figurative art. This requires a solid foundation of study and practice before an artist finds his own method of expression. The subjects are recognisable as something that exists, while abstract art requires less painstaking study, skill and crafting,” he added. 

The 2020 Group hopes to establish an Academy of Arts conducting courses adhering to international standards and set up a proper art gallery that showcases all styles of work. 

They also look forward to participating in local and international art forums, art exhibitions, workshops, international art fairs, competitions, art auctions, artist exchange programs and adding paintings to international art museums.

They have drawn up an activity plan to approach their objectives in an organised and structured way to attract sponsors in order to make their goals a reality.

Anura Srinath 

Wasantha Siriwardena 

Sunil Katugampola