Memory, culture, and contemporary narratives at Sri Lankan artist Shanaka Kulathunga's first solo exhibition in India

Gallery Silver Scapes opened Silent Stories, the first solo exhibition in India by celebrated Sri Lankan contemporary figurative artist Shanaka Kulathunga, at CCA Gallery, Bikaner House, New Delhi. The exhibition witnessed the presence of diplomats, senior cultural dignitaries, artists, collectors, and members of the art fraternity, marking a significant moment of artistic and cultural dialogue between India and Sri Lanka.

The preview was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, in the presence of Guests of Honour Meenakshi Lekhi and Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam. The evening brought together eminent personalities from the diplomatic, cultural, and artistic communities to celebrate the opening of the landmark showcase.

Marking an important cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka, Silent Stories brings together 41 oil paintings alongside 8 digital prints on archival paper, each in editions of 2, exploring themes of identity, human connection, everyday life, and personal recollection. Through layered narratives and evocative imagery, the exhibition offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the emotional and social landscapes that shape Shanaka Kulathunga’s artistic practice, while creating resonances with shared experiences across South Asia. Born in Sri Lanka in 1981, Shanaka Kulathunga has developed a distinctive visual language shaped by observation, introspection, and a strong connection to lived experiences.

The evening also marked the launch of SILENT STORIES, a special publication dedicated to Shanaka Kulathunga’s artistic journey and creative practice, offering deeper insight into his inspirations, process, and evolving visual language.

Speaking on the occasion, Shanaka Kulathunga said, “Showing Silent Stories in India has been a truly memorable experience for me. These paintings emerge from the people, landscapes, and moments that have shaped my life over the years, and it was deeply moving to see audiences here connect so personally with them. I have always believed that emotions and memories transcend borders, and this exhibition became a space where those shared human experiences could quietly come together.”

Vikram Mayor, Director, Gallery Silver Scapes, said, “Bringing Shanaka Kulathunga’s work to India has been a deeply special experience for us at Gallery Silver Scapes. I have always admired the emotional depth and painterly quality of his practice, particularly the sensitivity in his landscapes and seascapes. Seeing audiences connect so warmly with his works during the preview evening has been incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to support his journey in India.”

Curated by Archana Khare-Ghose, Silent Stories explores the intersections of memory, identity, and everyday life through Shanaka Kulathunga’s distinctive figurative practice. The exhibition also witnessed the presence of eminent artists Jatin Das, Kashmiri Khosa, and Biman Bihari Das; Samar Jodha; Aman Nath; Uday Jain and Uma Ravi Jain; Ronny Kaula; Dr Michael Williams; Anjani Kr Singh; Prann Sharma; Kiran Jaiswal; along with Chetan Seth and Madhusudhan Rao, among other eminent members of the art and cultural fraternity.