Essence of everyday life her inspiration
View(s):- Yashara Wickramasurendra’s exhibition Small Island Vol. 2, from October 31 to November 2 at the Lionel Wendt
By Shannon Salgadoe
Artist and illustrator Yashara Wickramasurendra is set to unveil her second solo exhibition, Small Island Vol. 2, a continuation of her vibrant exploration of
Sri Lankan life, tradition and the feminine experience. Her work will be on at the Lionel Wendt Gallery from October 31 to November 2.
Art has always been a part of Yashara’s world, nurtured by her creative mother, who encouraged her to experiment and express herself freely. “I grew up in a painted room — all four walls had murals — and we were never told not to draw on the walls,” she recalls. That early sense of artistic freedom to create led to a lifelong passion, leading her to pursue a degree in visual communication.
Yashara Wickramasurendra
Her first exhibition earlier this year was a culmination of more than a decade of work, in part influenced by her life milestones, including her marriage in 2023, and is a vivid reflection on Sri Lankan customs and rituals. She sought to illustrate local traditions and rituals, from the poruwa ceremony to the bathing rituals marking key moments in a woman’s life. The work, she explains, is about “romanticising the experience
we have living on this island”, capturing the essence of
Sri Lankan life.
She also reflects on the lack of representation for South Asian artists and for the traditions and customs of the island. “My intention was to celebrate these customs, and my inspiration is everyday life here,” says Yashara. Small Island Vol. 2 builds on those ideas, extending them into new directions and a richer palette of blues and greens. Using primarily acrylic on canvas, Yashara also dabbles with watercolours to bring softness and movement to her pieces.
She hopes her exhibition appeals to all ages: “I want people, especially kids, to come and experience it, not just buy art. I want them to come and experience it because my intention with what I paint is to invoke some kind of feeling, whether it’s nostalgia or calm. I want people to feel right at home.”
Small Island Vol. 2 will be held from October 31 to November 2 at the Lionel Wendt Gallery. Follow her work on Instagram at
@small_island_artist.
Two of Yashara’s creations
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