Jayantha Silva’s Final Bow to ‘Expressions’
Do they know it’s Christmas…
Will I be like her?
Walk into Jayantha Silva’s world and take a glimpse into a place where expressions are given permanence. A veteran artist whose journey began in advertising before he leaped full-time artistry, Silva has spent years meticulously placing fleeting moments of memory on his canvases. As he prepares to unveil ‘Expressions 18,’ his final solo exhibition in the ‘Expressions’ series, one chapter closes, and another begins.
The Final Mile of ‘Expressions’
Scheduled for May 2–4, 2025, at the Lionel Wendt Gallery in Colombo, ‘Expressions 18’ marks a milestone in Silva’s solo journey. For 22 years, this series has been his playground, a space where the depth of an unspoken emotion finds its way into his art. But Silva hopes to move forward with ‘Impressions,’ his next artistic chapter.
Before the final curtain falls on Expressions, art lovers have one more chance to take a step back. ‘A Glimpse into Expressions’—a special art display in collaboration with Shangri-La Colombo— will run until April 10, 2025, showcasing works from the past 22 years. The exhibition will also feature weekend ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions at the Sapphire Lounge, a chance to hear the stories behind the strokes.
Veteran artist Jayantha Silva.
For 22 years, this series has been his playground, a space where the depth of an unspoken emotion finds its way into his art. But Silva hopes to move forward with ‘Impressions,’ his next artistic chapter.
This artist’s strength lies in his ability to observe what others miss. Ironically, a challenge with his eyesight has sharpened his perception.
Art, His Destiny
His journey into art wasn’t a sudden epiphany; it was written in the stars. Quite literally. Born on Buddha Jayanthi day, a visiting Buddhist priest predicted his future as an artist just four days after his birth. The name ‘Jayantha’ was borne of this encounter. As a child, his inclination to draw found its way onto the walls and floors of his home, witnesses to his early experiments. Despite his natural talent, he is mainly self-taught. “I never went to an art school,” he says. His only influence? Leonardo da Vinci, whom he admires but doesn’t imitate. He relies on his instincts, photographic memory, and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
A Legacy in the Making
His entrancing pieces have found their way into private collections and institutions like the Tea Board. But beyond the accolades, beyond the exhibitions, what makes his art stand out is its soul.
With ‘Expressions’ drawing to a close, ‘Impressions’ is set to take center stage. What will it bring? Knowing Jayantha, it will be a continuation of his lifelong pursuit of freezing moments worth his method of storytelling on canvas. For those who have followed his journey, this is not just another exhibition; it’s the end of an era. But if Jayantha’s work has taught us anything, endings are just new beginnings in disguise.
‘A Glimpse into Expressions’:
till April 10, 2025
Sapphire Lounge, Shangri-La Colombo
9am–6pm, daily
Expressions 18: May 2–4, 2025
Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7;
9.30am –6.30pm
Bodhisattva.
Gazing.
Girl in hat.
