Green Path will once again take on a canvas of colour as Kala Pola returns
The panel discussion on the upcoming event. Pic by Sameera Weerasekera
Sri Lanka has always had a rich history in art and culture yet the platform for aspiring local artists is very limited. However for the past 27 years, both upcoming and established artists have enjoyed the opportunity to network, share and display their work through Kala Pola.
Kala Pola returns next Sunday, February 23, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in an even more elaborate and colourful fashion, marking 26 years of partnership between the George Keyt Foundation and John Keells Group.
There’s no doubting its popularity. Last year, over 350 artists displayed their talents and skill as Kala Pola 2019 took place down Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (better known as Greenpath). From intricate metal sculptures, bold portraits, breathtaking landscape paintings and more, it was an experience for art-lovers, connoisseurs and the general public, many of whom eagerly await the chance to see so many artists in one go.
This year there will be 370 participants hailing from all parts of the country exhibiting their work.
On February 11, a panel discussion moderated by Arun Dias Bandaranaike, saw Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation Michael Anthonisz, Group Director of Hemas Holdings PLC and Trustee of the George Keyt Foundation Abbas Esufally, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at John Keells Holdings Nadija Tambiah, Head of Brand and Marketing of Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Dileep Mudadeniya and artist Channa Ekanayake shed light on what people could expect at Kala Pola 2020.
“The Kala Pola has been, to a large extent, the main cause of putting Sri Lankan art to where it is today. Of course it has a long way to go but think of it this way – those days it was just a handful of us who were painting. The first Kala Pola that we had, I would say only had around 30 participants but now we have got over 350,” said Michael Anthonisz, emphasizing the importance of the art fair.
Anthonisz attributes the street art adorning public spaces to the impact brought on by Kala Pola, for if not for Kala Pola promoting and inspiring artists to showcase their work, street art would not be all over Sri Lanka right now.
“The John Keells Group has throughout been a healthy supporter of art; either through buying art or something like this (Kala Pola) and when you look at our CSR endeavours now, we try to think, contribute and support different entities that make up the ecosystem to grow art,” shared Nadija Tambiah on why the John Keells Group are active partners of the Kala Pola.
The John Keells Group is both humbled and proud to see the Kala Pola grow to the extent that it has. Last year there were 32,000 visitors and over Rs. 17 million raised by the artists.
Putting aside how lovely it would be to walk down Greenpath admiring the beautiful artwork, Kala Pola at its core remains the stepping stone for artists to gain recognition and share their passion. Channa Ekanayake who has been a loyal participant of the art fair since 2002 echoed these sentiments as he shared his journey from being an unknown artiest to a prominent figure in the art scene in Sri Lanka with his own studio and gallery.
“The George Keyt Foundation recognised me as an artist and they invited me to participate in their annual exhibitions. I got a great opportunity to participate in international artist camps in Sri Lanka. I got to study what contemporary art is in a worldwide manner,” he said recalling trips to international exhibitions as well.
Be there to see Channa Ekanayake and hundreds of other artists down Green Path next Sunday.