Basil Cooray

About

Born in 1960, He is a multi-award-winning Sri Lankan artist whose work has been shown around the world. His unusual landscapes and figurative pieces, which he creates in series, are primarily inspired by the beauty and genuineness of rural Sri Lanka. Watercolors and oils on canvas, paper, or cardboard are used frequently in Cooray's contemporary pieces.

Basil won second place for his painting in "SPECULO" - National Painting and Visual Art Exhibition 2017, conducted by SriLankan Airlines. His artistic masterpieces adorn the President's House, the Hatton National Bank, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Africa and are a part of many discerning collections, both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Style

Basil Cooray is a contemporary artist whose medium of choice is Water colour and Oil. Basil selects rural Sri Lanka for his subject matter and his paintings depict a lingering, almost shadow-like beauty. He had his training from artist Douglas Paul, whose work may be found in the Sri Lankan embassy in South Africa. His work can also be found at the Hatton National Bank, the President's House, and a number of prestigious private collections in Sri Lanka and around the world. The colours and vibrancy of Sri Lanka as seen through Basil Cooray's eyes is a rare treat.

Exhibitions

• 2002: "Facets of Rural Life" - Alliance Francaise Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2001: "Reflections" - Hermitage Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2018: "Fabriano in Watercolour" International Watercolour Exhibition, Fabriano, Italy
• 2017: "Beyond the Water Margins" - Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2017: "Sri Lankan Artist" JDA Perera Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2016: "13 Strokes" Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016: "Sri Lankan Artist" JDA Perera Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2010: "Other Side" - Barefoot Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• 2010: "Sri Lankan Artists" - National Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka