Colombo-based artist Yashara Wickramasurendra will present her debut solo exhibition, a series of paintings, at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on March 19th and 20th, 2025.

Yashara’s work is deeply rooted in her personal connection to her surroundings. Her paintings explore the quiet beauty of local architecture, the spectrum of bright colours found in traditional attire, and the lush, verdant landscapes of home. More than simply depicting her environment, her art serves as a visual diary, capturing snapshots of cherished traditions and her own personal vision of a vibrant world. We had a chat with her about her upcoming exhibition.

Q Tell us about your upcoming debut exhibition titled ‘ Small Island Vol.1.’  When and where will it be held?
It is my first public exhibition and will be held at the Lionel Wendt on the 19th and 20th of March 2025.

Q Can you please tell us about your journey in art – how it all began and how it has progressed over the years?
My mom is probably responsible for this. Growing up I was surrounded by beautiful colourful things, she painted my childhood bedroom to resemble a giant flower garden. She always encouraged my creativity even when I was colouring outside of the paper.

Q Your work is deeply rooted in your personal connection to your surroundings as you say. Can you tell us about this?   
I have always been fascinated by the things in our culture that are passed down through generations. I love ceremonial things like the poruwa traditions, things that signify certain moments like lighting the pahana, worshipping your elders or exchanging beetle leaves. Jewellery and sarees as well, things unique to us as Sri Lankans.

Q You also said that more than simply depicting your  environment art serves as a visual diary to you.  Can you expand on this?  
It’s always been cathartic to me, some people write, and some people dance, for me, painting has been my outlet. When I look back at some paintings they are very telling of my life in the time that it was painted. I can almost hear the music I was listening to while painting.

Q Can you tell us about the feeling of home you like to express through your work?
When I was younger having only ever seen the world through books and movies and not having so much to look at and recognise as my own environment has always bothered me. I’ve loved travelling all over Sri Lanka and I think there’s so much here that people tend to gloss over.
I want others to see my work and maybe, be able to relate to it or have it invoke a certain familiar feeling.

Q How do you hope to continue being involved in art?
I hope to continue painting and illustrating stories.
She adds  “When people ask me what inspires my art, it’s hard to put into just a few words. It’s really about the feeling of home. Living on this island, there’s a sense of connection to the things around me. I find myself drawn to the quiet beauty of old architecture and the way buildings can tell stories. The joy of colour. The greens of the island, and the bright hues of silk sarees; growing up surrounded by material and colour have deeply inspired the way I wish to see the world. My work is a way for me to explore my own roots, and to create snapshots of the traditions that have shaped me. I think, at its core, my art is about trying to capture the warmth and beauty I see in everyday life."  

Kshalini Nonis

(Pix courtesy YW)