Home KALĀ 2024

KALĀ x LWAC

KALĀ, in collaboration with the Lionel Wendt Art Centre, aimed to establish an annual platform that supported the sustainable growth of art ecosystems in Sri Lanka and South Asia. KALĀ envisioned integrating art projects with diverse events such as talks, online panels, and workshops. Its dynamic approach embraced a range of artistic initiatives, from non-profit programs to commercial ventures like residencies and collaborations.

Pivot Glide Echo

29.01.24-24.02.24

The inaugural exhibition for KALĀ, PIVOT GLIDE ECHO will navigate through the aesthetic sensibilities and creative pursuits that have shaped Lionel Wendt’s oeuvre. This journey provides a unique window into intergenerational dialogues amongst Sri Lankan modern and contemporary artists, with Wendt serving as a catalyst for these conversations. The exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 6 pm at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre at 18 Guildford Crescent, Colombo 07.

At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

View Online

Our Team

Saskia Fernando

Founding Director

Saskia Fernando is a Sri Lankan gallerist and entrepreneur. She is best known for her pioneering work in developing the contemporary art scene in Sri Lanka and providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work to a wider audience. Saskia is the founder of the Saskia Fernando Gallery, which has become a hub for contemporary art and culture in Colombo. Saskia’s vision and passion for contemporary art have helped introduce Sri Lankan art to a global stage while cultivating a deep appreciation for the region’s rich artistic heritage. In addition to her work as a curator, Saskia is also an advocate for nurturing artistic talent and cultural exchange. She is committed to promoting Sri Lanka as a hub for cultural and artistic expression and has contributed to several initiatives aimed at developing local talent.

Sandhini Poddar

Curatorial Advisor

Sandhini Poddar is a London-based art historian and Adjunct Curator-at-Large at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project. With a profound understanding of South Asian modern and contemporary art, she has played a pivotal role in shaping discourse surrounding art from the region, both in India and internationally. Her academic background, combined with her professional experience over the past twenty years, has made her a recognised authority in the field. Throughout her career, Sandhini has curated numerous impactful exhibitions that have garnered critical acclaim. She has showcased the works of established and emerging artists from South Asia and the diaspora, exploring a diverse range of themes and perspectives. Her exhibitions have opened new chapters in Asian art history.

Mariyam Begum

Assistant Curator

Mariyam Begum is a Curator, Archivist and Researcher. Her focus lies in the exploration of ecology and language in South Asian art. She has curated exhibitions featuring Sri Lankan contemporary practitioners and ongoing archival projects include the Udayshanth Fernando collection as well as the archives of HA Karunaratne, Chandraguptha Thenuwara and Jagath Weerasinghe. Mariyam holds a Master’s in Art History from Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati (Santiniketan), India.

Sulakshi Ratnayake

Programming Assistant

Harin Katipearachchi

Content Creator

Nathalie Johnston

Art Writer

The Lionel Wendt Centre for the Arts is owned by the Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund (LWMF), a non-profit, charitable trust with no state funding, and managed by a Board of Trustees who serve in a voluntary capacity. Inaugurated in 1945 and incorporated in 1949 by an Act of Parliament, the LWMF is the official custodian of the legacy of Lionel Wendt. Established in memory of Lionel Wendt (1900-1944) for the development and promotion of the arts, the Lionel Wendt Memorial Centre was built in order to create spaces for exhibitions, concerts, recitals, theatrical and dance performances as well as and providing opportunities for classes in art, music, drama and photography. Over the years, the Centre has launched numerous artists and theatre personalities – it is the benchmark cultural venue in Colombo, particularly for stage drama. Since its inception in 1953, the Centre has been instrumental in hosting the best of Sri Lanka’s theatre, music and art with the longest history of cutting edge and popular theatre and musical production in the country. The adjoining Lionel Wendt Gallery opened in 1959 and hosts exhibitions by the country’s best artists and sculptors. The Lionel Wendt Centre is the much-loved home of artists and performers.

Mr. Ranil Pieris

LWMF Trustee

Mr. Ranil De Silva

LWMF Trustee

Mr. Thivanka Jayasinghe

LWMF Trustee

Mr. Arosha Perera

LWMF Trustee

Mrs. Ayomi Aluwihare

LWMF Trustee

Mr. Jerome De Silva

LWMF Trustee

2024 Partners