Considered to be the forefathers of Sri Lankan Modern Art, the ’43 Group has contributed immensely to the recognition of local art internationally. Characterised by their adaptation of the European art movement of the early 1900’s in style, this collective of iconic artists presented Sri Lankans living through their distinctive flairs, which will be one of the critical components presented by Saskia Fernando and Azara Jaleel at the fifth edition of Collector’s Desk on the 11th of August a the Residences at One Galle Face, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.

Collector’s Desk, a collaboration between ARTRA Magazine & Saskia Fernando Gallery in partnership with the Residences at One Galle Face, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts aims to educate and entertain audiences through a series of moderated conversations on art appreciation, investment and exhibitions of art and design. The growth of any art scene takes place alongside economic development and it is essential that the corporate sector as well as the investor community sustain the local art scene’s growth of which each edition of Collector’s Desk is curated to address professionals from all industries.

With the growing recognition of ‘43 Group work internationally it is the exact moment for our local collectors to understand and appreciate the value and prestige of our modern art movement. The event will provide a brief introduction of our art history as well as up-to-date information on international developments involving Sri Lankan modern art exhibitions and market prices. The event will be concluded with important information on obtaining provenance said Saskia Fernando, Gallerist of Saskia Fernando Gallery & Co-Founder of Collector’s Desk.

This forthcoming edition of Collector’s Desk will approach the significance of the 43’ Group within the context of Sri Lankan and South Asian art together with its appreciation in value in the global art market. Followed by the presentation will be an exhibition of selective works by all members of the 43’ Group contributed by the members of Collector’s Desk at the show-suite apartment, providing the audience with an experience of engaging and interacting with art in a space of cotemporary living, further illustrated by the curated collection of wearable art of ‘modernity and luxury’ by Khiard Fine Jewellery.

“Spearheaded by Lionel Wendt, the ‘43 Group have stamped their signature both locally and internationally with their iconic work, celebrating a Sri Lankan way of life. Also part of the collection of ‘South Asian Modern+ Contemporary Art’ presented at Christie’s New York (September, 2013), the works of the ‘43 Group continues to strengthen the perception and value of Sri Lankan contemporary art globally. Thus we believe that it is important  for collectors and corporates to have a greater understanding of the collective which forms the crux of the conversation and exhibition at the forthcoming edition of Collector’s Desk, which will provide the audience with a closer and critical look of these artists through a selected body of their works” commented Azara Jaleel the Editor of  ARTRA Magazine & Co-Founder of Collector’s Desk

Saskia Fernando Gallery and ARTRA Magazine are two of the countries leading professional art organisations that are consistently supporting the growth and development of the industry. Sri Lanka’s largest contemporary art gallery and Sri Lanka’s only art magazine in partnership with the most exclusive new address in Colombo aims to spearhead the objective set forth for this series of curated art events.