As a prominent voice with a distinct identity in contemporary Sri Lankan art, Karunasiri Wijesinghe has spent decades immersed in the intimate study of the islands natural ecosystems—observing the organic architecture of trees, vines, and untamed terrain. The works presented in his exhibitions are best understood not as final endpoints, but as quiet pauses along this lifelong journey of visual inquiry.
“When the intricate forms of trees and vines intertwine, an unexpected abstraction emerges—a stillness within which the true essence of nature reveals itself. My path has been to uncover this inherent abstraction while remaining deeply anchored in organic reality. Having walked this road for over forty years, the unfolding must naturally be deliberate and measured. Look closely at the roots and branches: within their contours lie subtle anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms—whispers of human and animal presences, filled with rhythm, movement, and life. I strive to bring these evocative presences to the surface. Within nature’s quiet rhythms, a profound aura of mystery reveals itself. To the casual observer, the forest may seem an entangled chaos; my effort is to isolate, distill, and bring clarity to selected fragments so they resonate deeply within the mind. Abstraction is not something added to nature—it is already dwelling within it.”
Karunasiri Wijesinghe, August 2026
