Priyantha Udagedara was born and raised in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He studied painting at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2003) and was later awarded a scholarship by the President’s Fund Sri Lanka to study abroad. Upon receiving a scholarship from the President’s Fund of Sri Lanka, Priyantha went to the United Kingdom to further study painting. He completed his MA in 2007 and his PhD in 2013 in Contemporary Fine Art Practice at Leeds Metropolitan University.

 

In addition to Sri Lanka, Priyantha’s work has been exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, India, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Significant projects include the Colombo Art Biennale 2016, Art Dubai 2017, India Art Fair 2020, and exhibitions at the Grosvenor’s Gallery UK, Aicon Contemporary New York, and Baik Art Gallery New York. Weathering Waves is his first solo exhibition in New Delhi, India.

  • These works feature tropical and exotic floral depictions in vibrant acrylics. While appealing from afar, closer inspection reveals hidden ships...
    Taprobane III (Variation 1), 2024 (Embroidered)

    These works feature tropical and exotic floral depictions in vibrant acrylics. While appealing from afar, closer inspection reveals hidden ships and horsemen, echoing earlier works. These works serve as maps, blending land and sea, and emphasize nature's resilience and beauty, reflecting optimism for the future.

     

    Rich embroidery techniques using cotton and silk threads breathe texture and life into the blossoms, flowers, and vines. Each element of nature is defined by a unique stitch, distinguishing it while seamlessly blending with the rest, just as the artist envisioned. The vibrant interplay of colors and the natural hues of the flowers are achieved by twisting two different colored yarns together for each individual stitch, preserving the organic beauty of the design.

  • Taprobane explores deliberations on colonialism and its aftermath. Having engaged with the seascape back then, now the artist leaves the...
    Taprobane IX (Variation 1), 2024 (Embroidered)

    Taprobane explores deliberations on colonialism and its aftermath. Having engaged with the seascape back then, now the artist leaves the shores behind, to escort the viewer deeper into island terrain, possibly to the central mountain ranges.

     

    An intricate array of cotton and silk thread stitches—ranging from knots and loops to chains, springs, satin, and cross stitches—meticulously brings the floral motifs to life. Meanwhile, delicate techniques subtly weave in elements of the seascape theme, seamlessly connecting this piece to the previous series.