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MMCA Sri Lanka showcases work of George Keyt

Published

2 years ago

2022/10/16

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) works with many lenders and private collectors to curate its exhibitions, with the objective of helping the public to learn more about modern and contemporary Sri Lankan art. In 2021, the museum was given access to the George Keyt Foundation Collection (GKF) which is installed in various offices of the John Keells Holdings Group. It was during this research visit that Chief Curator Sharmini Pereira and Curator Sandev Handy found inspiration for the MMCA Sri Lanka’s second exhibition ‘Encounters’, which places four paintings by Keyt at the centre of four displays of art.

Speaking about the partnership Pereira said, “It was a great opportunity to have a guided tour of George Keyt’s works by Chair of the GKF, Mike Antoniasz, and to see physical works by Keyt because there are no paintings by him on public display that are easily accessible seven days a week.” This observation was a key factor that led Pereira and Handy to consider the inclusion of works by Keyt in ‘Encounters’ which opened to the public in February 2022 and is free of charge.

“The GKF was established in 1988 in the lifetime of the artist and was founded on the principles of promoting the works of emerging artists and Sri Lankan art. We are thrilled to work with an organisation such as the MMCA Sri Lanka, that creates knowledge and documents the works of Sri Lankan artists.” said the Chairperson of the George Keyt Foundation Mike Antoniasz.

Speaking about the works displayed Handy commented, “George Keyt is such a well known name in Sri Lanka – yet the public have limited knowledge of his actual works, due to a lack of access to them other than through publications. With the ‘Encounters’ exhibition we want to familiarise audiences with specific paintings by Keyt, choosing to look closely at four of his paintings namely ‘The Friends’ (1982) and ‘Pounding Paddy’ (1952) which were exhibited from 11 February to 22 May as part of ‘Encounters’ Rotation 1, and ‘The Offering (1949) and ‘Kandyan Bride’ (1951), which will be displayed as part of ‘Encounters’ Rotation 3 from 13 November 2022 until 19 March 2023.”

“Each of the four paintings provided Sharmini and I with the starting points for ‘Encounters’. We have created a conversation or ‘encounters’ with other artist’s works,” Sandev further noted. The juxtapositioning of artworks that explore similar subject matter from artists of different generations has been championed by the MMCA Sri Lanka.

One of the ongoing problems faced by the GKF is the costs for looking after their collection, which includes the conservation of the paintings and drawings by Keyt. As part of ‘Encounters’, four paintings by Keyt were successfully conserved. Speaking about the conservation work Udaya Hewawasam from ConsArt, commented “The biggest damage was to the wooden stretchers which were almost totally infected by insects (wood worms) thus providing no mechanical stability. In such cases there is no option other than to replace all the stretchers.”

One of the highlights of the conservation process was the discovery of information at the back of the paintings, including details from past exhibitions, and information on the paintings’ titles. Following standard conservation practises, Udaya confirmed how “After these labels were safely detached, they were de-acidified and then relocated to the back side of the painting in safe acid free sealed transparent cases.”

‘Encounters’ is generously supported by the European Union, Foundation for Arts Initiatives, John Keells Foundation, and the Nations Trust Bank. The MMCA Sri Lanka is an education-led initiative that aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection, and conservation of modern and contemporary art for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, schools, and tourists.

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INS Kuthar calls Port of Colombo

Published

6 hours ago

2025/03/3

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit this morning (03 Mar 25).

The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance
with naval traditions.

INS Kuthar is a 91.1 metre long Corvette, commanded by Commander Nitin Sharma. She is manned by a crew of 129.

During their visit to the island, the ship’s crew members are set to explore several tourist attractions in Colombo. They will also engage in
training exchange programmes arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation.

INS Kuthar is scheduled to depart the island on 06 Mar.

Latest News

Doctors set to launch island wide strike on Wednesday [05]

Published

12 hours ago

2025/03/3

Priyan

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has warned that they will launch an island-wide strike starting from March 05 if the government does not address the reduction of additional duty and holiday allowances of government medical officers by the 2025 budget.

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Let us initiate the qualitative change required for a new society within ourselves – Prime Minister

Published

12 hours ago

2025/03/3

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the qualitative change required for a new society should begin within ourselves and that the government has planned to develop cooperatives suited to the modern world while strengthening the rural economy.

The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the members of the Women’s Forum held at the Sunanda Theatre, Aranayake, on March 2nd.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:

“We have come to the right place with our long-standing efforts. Now, we must guide the country on the right path. We have started to build a nation where everyone can live happily and prosperously. This requires us to make the necessary changes and correct past mistakes. However, this transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone. Government officials, religious leaders, and citizens must step forward. We must work collectively towards our shared goal.

Women have united to rewrite the political history of this country in 2024. To continue shaping the future of Sri Lanka, women must come forward and take on leadership roles.

The Clean Sri Lanka program initiated by the government is not solely focused on environmental cleanliness. It also aims to clean and transform our mindset and behavior. A spiritual and attitudinal change is necessary.

Change must begin with individuals—from their homes, villages, and workplaces. Women play a crucial role in this journey of national transformation.

Today, we observe the opposition in Parliament behaving as they are more Marxist than us, acting as if they have studied Lenin more than we have.

This year’s budget has been designed with economic democracy at its core, ensuring benefits for all. The public and private sectors, cooperatives, and citizens must all contribute to economic management. Public servants’ basic salaries had not increased for years, but this year’s budget has addressed this issue. The public service must be transformed to provide efficient services to the people, making it an attractive sector.

The salaries of teachers and principals have been placed among the highest salary grades currently available in Sri Lanka. To improve education and provide quality learning opportunities for children, teachers must be empowered both in knowledge and spirit. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of public service institutions.

The era when political favoritism was a prerequisite for getting things done has ended. Today, government officials no longer receive phone calls from politicians regarding administrative matters.

The government has initiated a program to integrate women into the economy, gradually removing barriers to their participation. We are working towards creating a safe society where women can contribute to economic activities while managing their household responsibilities. To support this, we are developing pre-schools, daycare centers, and health services.

Opportunities must be created for those engaged in agriculture to acquire technical training and modern knowledge efficiently. This will strengthen the rural economy.

The government firmly believes that quality education is the key to national transformation.

Accordingly, new education reforms will be introduced from 2026. A significant allocation has been made in this year’s budget for the development of teacher training and the necessary infrastructure to support these reforms.”

A large gathering, including the Maha Sangha, Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabedi, Member of Parliament Nanda Bandara, and other people’s representatives and women from the Aranayake area, attended the event.