Embroidered Narratives: Priyantha’s Taprobane Series

"Discover the evocative world of Priyantha, a South Asian artist whose works unravel the complexities of history, identity, and belonging. The Taprobane Series reimagines the vibrant narratives of Sri Lanka’s cultural and colonial past, brought to life through Milaaya Art’s masterful embroidery."

 

Priyantha’s art reflects a deep engagement with socio-political themes and cultural heritage. His works traverse time and geography, weaving together personal memories, historical references, and contemporary realities. By collaborating with Milaaya Art, his brushstrokes transform into intricate stitches, adding a tactile depth to his compelling narratives.

  • Artist’s Style
    Detailed shot of Taprobane III (Variation 1) (Embroidered)

    Artist’s Style

    Priyantha’s visual language is rich in metaphor, blending surrealism, symbolism, and abstraction. His paintings often juxtapose vivid colors with muted tones, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.

     

    His work features a mixed-media approach, incorporating traditional techniques with modern tools, often layering textured patterns with bold imagery. 

     

    Recurring motifs like mythical creatures, fragmented maps, and distorted figures explore identity, diaspora, and the impact of colonialism on South Asian culture.

    Priyantha draws from his Sri Lankan heritage, personal experiences, and global history. The lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, intertwined with its tumultuous history, serve as a recurring theme

  • Taprobane III

    The Taprobane s is a homage to Sri Lanka’s ancient name and its layered history. Through this body of work,...
    Taprobane III (Original), Priyantha Udagedara

    The Taprobane s is a homage to Sri Lanka’s ancient name and its layered history. Through this body of work, Priyantha explores the interplay of cultural opulence, colonial imprints, and the resilience of identity. It symbolizes the island’s position as a cultural and trade hub. The artist reclaims this identity through vibrant imagery and layered storytelling.

     

    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.

  • Embroidery Translation by Milaaya Art

    Milaaya Art’s artisans meticulously translated Priyantha’s Taprobane Series into embroidered masterpieces. Each piece reflects the lush textures and vibrant details...
    Taprobane III (Variation 1), Embroidered by Milaaya Art

    Milaaya Art’s artisans meticulously translated Priyantha’s Taprobane Series into embroidered masterpieces. Each piece reflects the lush textures and vibrant details of his paintings, with every stitch capturing the essence of his brushstrokes.

     

    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.