Pulse and pace of modern life took centre stage at City of Dreams as it unveiled the 6th edition of its Artist Spotlight series. This time, the spotlight was on Life is a Circus, a unique and interesting exhibition by acclaimed popular visual artist Gayan Prageeth. Curated by Kasun Jayamanne, the exhibition delved deeper into the chaos, colour, and constant motion that captures contemporary life. Prageeth ensured all eyes were on his artworks for he used striking visuals and bold storytelling to explain how everyday moments are as unpredictable and dramatic and a bit surreal as what we witness in a circus.
Excerpts from an exclusive e-mail chat with Kasun Jayamanne who has curated Gayan Prageeth's artworks...
Does Gayan Prageeth's work reflect any elements of Sri Lankan identity or heritage?
Gayan Prageeth’s work reflects Sri Lankan identity through its engagement with the country’s recent history, particularly the civil war and its aftermath. Rather than presenting heritage as decorative or symbolic, he addresses how nationalism, memory, and political tension shape contemporary Sri Lankan life. His use of Sri Lankan iconography, layered surfaces, and found materials grounds the work within a local cultural context. At the same time, these elements are often reworked or disrupted, reflecting the fractures and complexities within national identity.
How does exhibiting at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams influence the way Gayan Prageeth's art is experienced?
Cinnamon Life represents aspiration, vibrancy, and contemporary urban culture. Presenting this exhibition within this environment creates a thoughtful dialogue rather than a stark contrast. The exhibition’s themes of survival, resilience, and underlying fragility gain new resonance when situated within a space associated with ambition, energy, and curated experience.
