Paintings of the ’43 Group

Sri Lankan artist Mueen Saheed recreated a remarkable artistic tribute to the iconic ’43 Group, a movement that defined an era in Sri Lankan art. Saheed’s latest work pays tribute to Aubrey Collette’s legendary caricature painting of the ’43 Group, a collective of artists with diverse talents that captured the essence of Ceylonese culture through art, music, poetry and photography.

The recreation of the ’43 Group is a masterful blend of tribute and innovation. Known for his unique style in “Abstract Narrative Expressionism,” Saheed incorporates fragments of the original artists’ recognised works into his painting. This homage intricately weaves elements of story and figurative art within vibrant and abstract compositions.

His journey as an artist began with jewelry design, drawing inspiration from Sri Lanka’s natural resources. Transitioning to acrylics and canvas, he describes the medium as offering infinite possibilities for the soul to breathe “. His work has received much international praise, and displayed at the UNFCC headquarters in Bonn, among other esteemed collections.

Mueen Saheed’s tribute painting gains recognition; it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the ’43 Group and the ongoing evolution of Sri Lankan art. Through his innovative style and deep reverence for the past, he bridged the gap between historical legacy and contemporary expression, ensuring that the spirit of the ’43 Group lives on.