Footnotes

Provenance
Property from a private collection, UK.

Note: The work has been authenticated by the artist.

Senanayake is a celebrated contemporary artist from Sri Lanka, known for his dynamic and colourful paintings that vividly depict the rich natural beauty of his homeland. Recognised early for his artistic talent, he began painting at the age of seven and held his first solo exhibition in New York at just ten years old, making a remarkable early entry onto the international art scene.

His early works reflect a more expressionist aesthetic, characterised by bold, defined lines that outline feminine silhouettes, and a rich palette of ochres, deep reds, and verdant greens. Though initially self-taught, Senanayake later pursued formal studies in Art and Architecture at Yale University. There, he was introduced to art history and the works of Western artists, which significantly broadened his artistic perspective. Drawing inspiration from movements such as Impressionism and Cubism, he began experimenting with a variety of styles in his work. This exploration ultimately led to the development of his own distinctive artistic language, characterised by curvilinear forms, flattened perspectives, layered transparencies and a vivid palette of greens, pinks, blues and purples. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, he continued to refine this expressive style, deeply rooted in his enduring connection to nature.

This present work Untitled (Bathers) is a striking example of Senanayake's artistic maturity, showcasing his distinct visual language and his continued engagement with themes rooted in Sri Lankan life and culture. The stylised composition depicts five female figures engaged in ritualistic bathing within a thriving tropical landscape. As with much of Senanayake's oeuvre, the scene reflects not only his mastery of colour and form but also his deeper commitment to portraying the symbiotic relationship between people and nature.

Senanayake is renowned for his vividly coloured depictions of dense, layered jungles, often presented in a flattened perspective that has become a hallmark of his style. His paintings frequently centre on traditional rural life, tea pickers, fishermen, villagers, and women within forested settings, where human figures appear seamlessly integrated into their environment, celebrating the harmony between community and the natural world. Echoing elements of modernist figuration and vernacular traditions, the present work celebrates feminine grace, community, and a deep connection to the natural world.