ANUPA PERERA
Anupa Perera photographed in his hometown of Kurunegala in Sri Lanka.
For the past four decades, award winning Sri Lankan fine artist Anupa Perera has lived in, and been influenced by a country torn apart by a three-decade civil war, two youth insurrections, the devastation of the tsunami, and more recently, one of the most staggering economic collapses of the 21st century. A trained art teacher and lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Anupa´s artwork draws lessons from and attention to the Sri Lankan experience.
The universal themes explored in his work connect the local experience to a patchwork of countries plagued by conflict and crisis globally. He explores this connection in his art by invoking the works of other political artists including Picasso and Banksy, whose works famously explored conflicts in Spain and the Middle East.
The paintings and prints that are being profiled exclusively at THE GRAPA, include works that have for the first time been released from the artist´s private collection.
These works collectively represent a strong statement by the artist on human suffering and the devastating impact that conflict has on society, especially on women and children.
The Modern Mona Lisa by Anupa Perera
Step into the realm of thought-provoking art with 'The Modern Mona Lisa' by fine artist Anupa Perera. In this captivating piece, Perera places the spotlight on the critical importance of education for girls while also shedding light on the plight of child soldiers and children impacted by conflict.
What sets this artwork apart is the inclusion of a miniature replica of an artwork by renowned political artist Banksy, nestled within Perera's composition. This subtle yet powerful collaboration between two artistic voices amplifies the urgency of the issues portrayed, inviting reflection and action from all who behold it. 'The Modern Mona Lisa' is more than just a painting—it's a proud and defiant nod to the resilience of the human spirit and a testament to the transformative power of art to elevate the voices of the marginalized.
