What - Kala Pola 
Where - Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07 
When - 31 January 2016 
Who - The George Keyt Foundation in association with the John Keells Group 

Last Sunday was a colourful treat to the eye, with one of my favourite things happening in Colombo, and that’s a pola full of art - Sri Lanka’s internationally acclaimed open-air art fair, “Kala Pola”, which opened along Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo 07. 

The initial idea of a “Kala Pola” (art market) in Sri Lanka, just like street art exhibitions in France, was promoted by the late Professor S. B. Dissanayake, a friend and very strong admirer of George Keyt’s work. He was of great help in conceptualising the idea of a “Kala Pola” to work effectively in Sri Lanka. At the very beginning George Keyt was rather cynical and not very convinced about the benefits that street art would bring to this country. 

However, we're told that when he was driven around the first “Kala Pola” in 1993, he had been more than delighted at what he saw and had told Cedric de Silva, Chairman of the Board of Trustees in the George Keyt Foundation and his wife, Sita : “Oh! I should have known … how many benefits a “Kala Pola” could bring to artists”. 

It opened at 8.00 am and continued until 9.00 pm the same night. But we at the WTF team and You’re My Favorite got ourselves there at the best time, as we got to capture not only the art but also the cultural entertainment and the infectious feeling of an exciting summer art-fest right in the heart of Colombo. 

As it has done for the past 22 years, Kala Pola is billed to attract several thousands of visitors from all parts of the country. Added to this are the large numbers of resident and visiting expatriates from different parts of the world who patronise the event as a happy hunting ground for a variety of Sri Lankan art on offer in a fun-filled atmosphere of music and entertainment. This international cultural impact has often been inaugurated by foreign ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Colombo. They have included US Ambassador Robert Blake, British High Commissioner John Rankin, Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kanth and French Ambassador Christine Robichon to name a few. 

As I started my walk down the lane, I spoke to Hasan Cooray from Stall No. 287.  He has titled his creation as “Bread and Butter” and says “My concept painting is to reflect life, and how we need to see new positive avenues, and I love “Kala Pola” , as we get new opportunities after showcasing our talent here”. 

Since its inception in 1993, “Kala Pola” has drawn inspiration from similar open-air art fairs in Europe, especially Montmartre in Paris. It has evolved into a rich cultural event over the years and is today a much-awaited and not-to-be-missed event in Colombo’s annual cultural calendar. 

As always, “Kala Pola” is free of charge and open to the public. Now a top tourist attraction, it attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of Sri Lanka and from different parts of the world. Just like that I met Mediere, from France, who first sang, and then said “I would buy you”! He for some odd reason thought I was on sale, but also went on to say “Love the colours of Sri Lanka”. 

There were some exciting talent, even a two hand artist, who was amazing, but one artist won my heart, and that’s A.C Nuwan – who used different old parts of vintage cars and created his masterpieces. 

“Kala Pola” has also directly financially helped thousands of Sri Lankan artists, and thus their families, over the past 23 years. By selling their work every year and being recognized, many of them have been able to develop themselves financially. 

Hope you enjoy our WTF today. 

For more photographs, click here. 

Today on WTF 

Outfit by JUMP 
Hair and makeup by Capello Saloon 
Video and photographs by You're My Favorite 
Transport partner - PickMe