Footnotes

Provenance
Property from a private collection, Scotland.
Acquired by Charles Boyle in the early 1970s, when he was Chairman & Managing Director of Lever Brothers, Ceylon Limited;
Acquired from Lindsay Burns & Company's auction, 25th January 2023, lot 491.

Senaka Senanayake, a name synonymous with vibrant and intricate depictions of nature, emerged onto the art scene as a true virtuoso, showcasing an extraordinary artistic talent from a young age. His early mastery and innate connection with the natural world earned him recognition as a childhood prodigy, setting the stage for a remarkable artistic journey that would captivate the world.

Senanayake's early affinity for art was evident in his ability to capture the beauty of his surroundings with a level of sophistication far beyond his years. Born in 1951 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he began exhibiting his work as early as 7 years old, astonishing audiences and art critics alike. His prodigious skill and unique perspective on nature quickly set him apart, marking the beginning of a prolific and celebrated career.

Untitled (Abstract Figures Wearing Hats) was painted when he was 17 years old. In this work we can see his distinctive style, which emerged from his love for the tropical landscapes that surrounded him. This painting is teeming with lush foliage and is intertwined with multiple figures all wearing hats. Through bold and dynamic brushwork, Senanayake's abstract figures capture the essence of movement and transformation. Each work is a visual dialogue between colours, lines, and shapes, creating an energetic dance that mirrors the dynamism of life itself.