Opening of Colombo Art Gallery

by Zanita Careem

Colombo Art Gallery is a space created for authentic engagement, enabling community enrichment through a shared spaceColombo Art Gallery is the result of Dian Gomes’ long-standing passion for art, consisting of his private collection from across the globe with a fine curation of renowned local artists. A treasure trove for art enthusiasts, Colombo Art Gallery is a space created for authentic engagement, enabling community enrichment through a shared space of integrity and collaboration.

Colombo Art Galler

y is located down Sri Lanka’s only art street, Gandhara street, the history of which goes back to 2004, and the inception of lifestyle store Gandhara, housing unique pieces of furniture, art, and artefacts. Over the last 15 years, Gandhara Street has become a one-stop destination for retail and cafe culture, with the creation of a horizontal mall of over 30 art, retail, and lifestyle businesses. 

Speaking at the opening, Gandhara Founder Dian Gomes shared that the vision of Gandhara Street was one that he had held dear ever since first opening Gandhara,  

. “Representational art has not been very popular the last 10 years,” Gomes shared. “Abstract is preferred. The whole idea of Colombo Art Gallery is to show representational art, but this doesn’t preclude other artists with different styles from showcasing. Every month, we’re hoping to have exhibitions and have varying artists showcase their talents. As the owner, my job is to promote them all and take the opportunity to show Sri Lankan art and push it to the international arena.”

Dian Gomes has a long-standing passion for Art, consisting of his private globally sourced collection along with a fine curation of renowned local artistes.

The location of the Gallery is of equal importance to the Art space in Sri Lanka, as it is situated down Sri Lanka’s on

ly Art Street. The history of the street goes back to the inception of Gandhara in 2004, a lifestyle store that houses unique pieces of furniture, art and artifacts. Today Gandhara Street is Colombo’s go-to destination for one stop retail and café culture; creating a horizontal mall with over 30 offerings from multiple vendors. The curated mix of brands belonging to 

categories such as Fashion, Lifestyle, Wellness, Dining and Art- bring to life the first dynamic ‘art street’ in the island. It is a haven for art and design lovers, boasting an incredible array of creative talents; yet until now there has not been a Gallery dedicated to Art.

The Colombo Art Gallery which was meant to open doors to the public last year, postponed its preparations due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Opening Ceremony took place recently and its first ever exhibition was held at the Gallery named ‘Odyssey’. The exhibition was orjanised by the 2020 Group, a group of senior artists belonging to different disciplines; practicing distinctive individual styles including Realism, Impressionism, idealism, Stylization and Figurative Art. They have come together in the hope of shifting the spotlight back to Representational Art and raising the bar for local art, which would eventually construct an even playing field in the global arena. ‘Odyssey’ is a collaboration between 2020 Group and Colombo Art Gallery, an exhibition that hopes to inspire audiences and artists alike to engage in representational work, and gain an understanding on the recognition in this particular sphere of art. As a country rich in both history and talent,it was necessay to showcase talent and creativity said Dian

The exhibition was held adhering to health and safety guidelines issued by the Government, and the space itself has been designed keeping international standards and highest quality in mind.

Colombo Art Gallery houses Dian Gomes’s collection of art, acquired during his many travels abroad. This space is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, containing art from Argentina, Spain, countries in Africa and the world over. Apart from the global selection, the local paintings and sculptures are a tribute to some talented Sri Lankan artists. Dian’s attention to detail is exhibited perfectly within the bright and airy gallery, which provides respite from the hustle and bustle outside. The fact that the space is next to some great coffee, food and a stunning courtyard is just a bonus.

Pix by Kamal Wanniarachchi