New Delhi, April 2026: Gallery Silver Scapes will present Silent Stories, a solo exhibition by Sri Lankan artist Shanaka Kulathunga, opening from May 21st to 28th, 2026 at the CCA Building, Bikaner House, New Delhi. The exhibition marks the artist’s first solo presentation in India and introduces a body of work shaped by memory, everyday life, and cultural landscapes, within a broader India–Sri Lanka context.
A First Solo Exhibition in India
Silent Stories marks an important moment in Shanaka Kulathunga’s career as it brings his work to Indian audiences for the first time in a solo format. Presented by Gallery Silver Scapes, the exhibition also reflects ongoing cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka, offering viewers insight into shared and distinct visual narratives.
Exploring Memory and Everyday Life
The exhibition features paintings in acrylic and oil, where figuration and landscape intersect. Kulathunga’s works draw from lived experiences and rural life in Sri Lanka, creating compositions that reflect relationships between people and their surroundings. His visual language combines observation and imagination, resulting in layered and introspective narratives.
Highlights of the Exhibition
- Paintings inspired by rural Sri Lankan life
- Exploration of identity, memory, and social relationships
- Use of figuration blended with landscape elements
- Works capturing movement, emotion, and everyday scenes
The Artist’s Practice
Born in 1981 in Sri Lanka, Shanaka Kulathunga has developed a practice rooted in observation and introspection. His subjects include teachers, labourers, elders, children, and dancers, often depicted with immediacy and emotional depth. His work reflects themes of identity, affection, and social dynamics through symbolic and narrative elements.
Kulathunga notes that his works are shaped by personal experiences and environment, aiming to create connections between individual memory and shared human experiences.
Curatorial Approach
Curated by Archana Khare-Ghose, the exhibition frames Kulathunga’s work within a broader cultural dialogue. The curatorial approach highlights the artist’s ability to transform everyday moments into contemplative visual experiences, encouraging viewers to engage with both personal and collective histories.
Gallery and Cultural Context
Founded in 2009, Gallery Silver Scapes has contributed to the discourse of modern and contemporary Indian art by presenting both established and emerging artists. With Silent Stories, the gallery continues its effort to introduce diverse artistic voices and foster cross-cultural engagement.
Publication Launch and Programming
Alongside the exhibition, a publication on Shanaka Kulathunga’s artistic practice will be launched. The showcase also provides opportunities for audiences to engage more deeply with the artist’s work and process.
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Exhibition | Silent Stories |
| Artist | Shanaka Kulathunga |
| Venue | CCA Building, Bikaner House |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | May 21, 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | May 21–28, 2026 |
| Organiser | Gallery Silver Scapes |
| Entry / Tickets | Open to all |
The exhibition will take place at Bikaner House, a prominent cultural venue in New Delhi known for hosting art exhibitions and cultural events.
Takeaway
Silent Stories offers a reflective exploration of memory, identity, and lived experience through Shanaka Kulathunga’s paintings. By situating personal narratives within a broader cultural framework, the exhibition contributes to ongoing artistic dialogue between India and Sri Lanka, inviting viewers to engage with both intimate and shared histories.
