Different worlds manifest side by side
At first glance Kavan Balasuriya and Branka Ridiki may seem to have little in common, being of different ages, genders and nationalities – Kavan was born here in Sri Lanka, while Branka is from Croatia.
Kavan always wanted to be an artist. A graduate of Central St. Martin’s art school in London, he credits the knowledge gained from the university for his current style. Having attempted to be a painter, the realisation that he preferred drawing made Kavan switch to drawing in charcoal, ink and graphite pencils instead. An artist who prefers black and white drawings, Kavan previously exhibited his work at ‘Frame’ – which was a part of Colombo Fashion Week for the second time this year. It was here that he met Branka, who had exhibited at Frame the previous year.
Branka has lived in different parts of the globe and feels that her art is a combination of her experiences growing up in the Mediterranean and the culture of the country she is living in at the time of her work.
Their combined exhibition titled ‘Manifest’is on until July 17 at the Barefoot Gallery.