Island for Sale 2023 #2 #2

Being an influential artist in the modern Sri Lankan society, Sudath Abeysekera is an expert painter who has introduced many new trends to the arena of Sri Lankan art. He started drawing as a young boy before pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. He held his first solo exhibition in 1999 at the National Art Gallery, Colombo, which was followed by a number of talked-about art exhibitions.

Sudath Abeysekera’s work experience includes serving as a board member of the National Design Center from 2013 to 2014, Senior Art Director at Phoenix O&M (Pvt) Ltd from 2001 to 2006, and Executive Creative Director at Art Sense Advertising (pvt) ltd from 2007 to present. He also serves as the Managing Director of Art Way Gallery / Art Way Institute from 2007 to present.

Sudath Abeysekera has won several awards, including the First Place for Installation Art at the State Art & Sculpture Festival 2017, and the Raigam Tele’es Award for the Best Kids TV Show 2019 for “O-kay Art Palette.” He has held numerous solo exhibitions, including “Contemporary Youth, Paintings & Installations” at Lionel Wendt Gallery in 2000, “David, Lotus and Butterflies, Exhibition Of Paintings” at Paradise Road Gallery in 2003, and “Form & DForm” at Lionel Wendt Gallery in 2014.

Sudath Abeysekera served as the Chairman of the National Crafts Council from 2020 to 2021 and as the Vice Chairman of the World Craft Council for South East Asia during the same period. As an accomplished artist and recognized authority in Sri Lankan art and crafts, Abeysekera has also contributed significantly to the development and promotion of traditional crafts in the region.

Sudath Abeysekera’s artworks can be seen at the Thalawathugoda Art Way Gallery, or on their website www.artgallery.lk. He has participated in exhibitions and workshops in various countries, including China, India, Bhutan, and England.