KALĀ 2025 Celebrating South Asian Art and the 75th Anniversary of UVPA

9 December 2024 12:38 pm Views - 21

Mariyam Begum		Jagath Ravindra
Saskia Fernando		Mandira Ranatunge

The second edition of KALĀ, a premier platform for South Asian modern and contemporary art, is set to return to Sri Lanka in 2025.  KALĀ aims to strengthen ties across the South Asian region while championing sustainable development in the arts ecosystem. By fostering collaboration and highlighting Sri Lankan and regional art initiatives, KALĀ aspires to captivate both local and international audiences.

This year, KALĀ proudly joins hands with the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) in Colombo to commemorate the institution’s 75th anniversary. With a legacy tracing back to 1893, UVPA has been instrumental in shaping Sri Lanka’s artistic identity. KALĀ pays tribute to its pioneering leaders—J.D.A. Perera, Stanley Abeysinghe, David Paynter, and Tissa Ranasinghe—who laid the foundation for modern Sri Lankan art.

The 2025 program will feature Pivot Glide Echo, an exhibition curated by Mariyam Begum and supported by the Rukmini Tissanayagam Trust. This showcase will explore the historical and contemporary dimensions of Sri Lankan art, connecting works by Ena De Silva, H.A. Karunaratne, Jagath Ravindra, Chandraguptha Thenuwara, Priyantha Udagedara, Thamotharampillai Sanathanan, Dominic Sansoni, Laki Senanayake, and Jagath Weerasinghe with the legacy of the masters from Heywood.

KALĀ Commune, a South Asian residency programme, will invite regional practitioners to engage with Sri Lankan art at UVPA. The residency will culminate in an Open Studio Exhibition, offering a glimpse into the creative processes of participating artists.

The event will also host the KALĀ x ASAP series in collaboration with the UK-based Art South Asia Project (ASAP). Supported by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation, this programme will feature public talks and private workshops, offering invaluable insights into the relationships between artists, patrons, and galleries. Additionally, Asia Society will enrich the programming with expertise in South Asian arts and culture, while GOOD LIFE X will ensure the residency reflects both local and regional perspectives.

KALĀ 2025 seeks to promote inclusivity by engaging art students from universities across Sri Lanka. A week-long schedule of workshops, events, and exhibitions will provide young artists with opportunities for learning and collaboration.

With its commitment to showcasing South Asian modern and contemporary art, KALĀ continues to act as a cultural bridge, presenting Sri Lanka’s artistic narrative to the world while fostering regional and global connections.