SASKIA FERNANDO GALLERY MAKES HISTORY AT FRIEZE MASTERS, BRINGING SRI LANKAN MODERNISM TO THE WORLD STAGE.
Dr. Devika Singh with Asif Rangoonwala and Mariyam Begum
Colombo-based Saskia Fernando Gallery has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Sri Lankan gallery invited to participate in Frieze Masters, one of the international art world’s most prestigious fairs.
Currently underway in London, Frieze Masters is providing a significant international platform for Saskia Fernando Gallery to showcase the work of pioneering Sri Lankan modernist Dr. H. A. Karunaratne, bringing an important chapter of the island’s artistic history to the attention of leading collectors, curators and art institutions from around the world. Bringing together leading international galleries, museum directors, curators, art historians and collectors, Frieze Masters is celebrated for its presentations of historically significant works spanning different periods and cultures. Participation is highly selective, making the gallery’s inclusion a notable achievement for Sri Lanka’s art sector and an opportunity to expand international understanding of the country’s modernist movement. The presentation also reflects growing interest in South Asian modernism, a field that has attracted increasing attention from international museums and collectors. While artists from India and other established regional art centres have gained considerable recognition, Sri Lankan modernists have historically received less exposure. Saskia Fernando Gallery’s presence at Frieze Masters offers an opportunity to address this imbalance by bringing a distinctive artistic perspective into the international conversation.
BRINGING DR. H. A. KARUNARATNE INTO GLOBAL FOCUS
Central to the gallery’s presentation is Dr. H. A. Karunaratne, one of Sri Lanka’s influential modernist artists, whose work is recognised for its exploration of abstraction, colour, composition and form. His artistic practice reflects the evolution of modernism in post-independence Sri Lanka, a period during which artists developed individual visual languages while engaging with wider international artistic movements. Dr. Karunaratne’s work demonstrates the depth and originality of Sri Lankan modernism, challenging the tendency to view the country’s artistic development primarily through traditional or historical forms. His paintings offer insight into an artist whose experimentation and creative vision contributed to shaping the island’s modern artistic identity. Saskia Fernando Gallery has played an important role in promoting his legacy through exhibitions, research and sustained engagement with international audiences. The Frieze Masters presentation builds on these efforts, providing an opportunity for his work to be encountered within a setting dedicated to artistic significance and historical scholarship. Beyond increasing visibility, participation in a fair of this calibre can encourage further institutional research, acquisitions and exhibitions. Such developments are particularly important for artists whose contributions have not yet been fully integrated into established international art historical narratives.
Catherine Wood with Saskia Fernando and Nour Aslam
A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR SRI LANKAN ART
Saskia Fernando Gallery’s historic participation at Frieze Masters is supported by a strategic, long-term partnership with LYNEAR Wealth Management, bringing together expertise in art and finance to promote Sri Lanka’s modern and contemporary artistic heritage. During the fair’s opening in London, representatives from both organisations engaged with international patrons, collectors and curators, fostering relationships that could create new opportunities for Sri Lankan art on the global stage. The collaboration also highlights the growing intersection between cultural patronage and wealth management, recognising art not only for its historical and aesthetic significance but also as a potential avenue for investment, wealth diversification and intergenerational legacy planning. Through this partnership, both organisations aim to encourage informed collecting, strengthen international engagement and support the preservation of significant artworks. Their shared vision extends beyond the exhibition, seeking to establish a sustainable foundation for Sri Lanka’s art sector while enhancing its international visibility and long-term cultural value.
Saskia Fernando with Minal Vazrani
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR SRI LANKA’S CULTURAL FUTURE
Saskia Fernando Gallery’s participation at Frieze Masters represents a defining moment for Sri Lanka’s art sector, creating new opportunities for international recognition, institutional collaboration and cultural exchange. Beyond showcasing Dr. H. A. Karunaratne’s work, the presentation draws attention to the island’s rich modernist heritage and its place within global art history. The achievement reflects the gallery’s sustained commitment to championing Sri Lankan artists through research, exhibitions and international engagement, while setting an important precedent for the country’s wider creative community. Its strategic partnership with LYNEAR Wealth Management further strengthens this vision, bringing together cultural expertise and financial insight to encourage art investment, responsible collecting and long-term preservation. As leading collectors, curators and museum representatives gather in London, this historic debut offers an opportunity to build lasting relationships and expand the international appreciation of Sri Lankan art, paving the way for greater visibility and opportunities for future generations of artists and institutions.
Mariyam Begum, Nour Aslam, Sandhini Poddar, Sanjay Kulatunga, Saskia Fernando, Deshna Shah
Bakul Patki and Asif Rangoonwala with Saskia Fernando
