Colombo—Architect and artist Ajantha Ranaweera has launched his latest solo exhibition, "Gaman Maliga," at the Saskia Fernando Gallery on Galle Road, Colombo 3. The show opened on August 26 and will run through September 15, marking Ranaweera’s first solo presentation at this venue.
Building on themes explored in his previous exhibitions, including "The Boy in Paradise" (2021) and "The Dance of a Water Garden" (2025), "Gaman Maliga" delves into a layered exploration of Sri Lankan identity, aesthetics, and historical symbolism. Ranaweera’s work continues to reflect the influence of his architectural training, with precise structure and form underpinning a nuanced interplay of sociopolitical and metaphysical narratives.
At the core of this exhibition is the concept of "Gaman Maliga"—historical travelling palaces used by Sri Lankan kings, particularly under the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. The term and its significance were introduced to Ranaweera through the work of Professor Gananath Obeyesekere, whose 2017 book "The Doomed King" dedicates a chapter to these royal circuits and their role in projecting power and engaging with the populace. Obeyesekere’s personal encouragement, inscribed in a signed copy of the book, catalyzed Ranaweera’s creative vision for the exhibition.
Three main installations, referred to as "maligawas," dominate the exhibition. Originally conceptualized in brass, the final works are crafted from wood due to challenges in securing suitable craftsmen. The largest piece, standing approximately one meter tall and painted a vivid ox-blood red, incorporates interior paintings viewed through narrow entryways designed to evoke a sense of infinite space. Ranaweera describes these installations as prototypes with expansive potential for adaptation across different contexts and scales.
Ranaweera’s paintings expand on the "Gaman Maliga" as a celestial vehicle or floating castle that transports youthful figures—often central to his artistic oeuvre—to mythical realms like Nandana, the celestial garden. These figures are adorned in traditional attire rich with symbolic significance tied to protection, authority, and cultural identity. Accompanying them are fantastical creatures called "gurulas," inspired by local mythology, adding whimsical elements to the narrative.
The exhibition embodies Ranaweera’s broader mission to decolonize knowledge and advance a modern Sri Lankan design language rooted in indigenous culture and aesthetics. Drawing from diverse sources such as temple murals, architecture, folklore, and traditional textiles, he seeks to establish a contemporary design movement that is both culturally resonant and economically viable. Influences on his work extend beyond Sri Lanka, informed by global artists and architects including Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, as well as prominent local figures like Anjalendran, Philip Weeraratne, and Shanti Jayewardene.
Ranaweera attributes the development of his artistic practice to deliberate effort and sustained discipline, challenging the notion of creativity as a purely innate talent. His prolific output and detailed notebooks reflect a rigorous creative process, marked by continual refinement and expansive conceptual imagining.
"Gaman Maliga" offers a complex meditation on Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and artistic future, situating Ranaweera’s work within the evolving discourse of national identity and modern design innovation.