Jayantha Silva – Artist

Studio: Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka.

Telephone: +94 727314762 (WhatsApp)

Email: jayanthamsilva@gmail.com

Jayantha Silva is a celebrated Sri Lankan artist known for his mastery of realism, particularly in capturing the human form. His artistic journey began as a prodigious student at St. Peter’s College, Colombo 4, where he won multiple awards in national art competitions. One of his most notable early achievements was securing First, Second, and Fourth Prizes in a prestigious 1969 competition, impressing renowned artist Mudliyar Amarasekara.

After completing his education, Jayantha embarked on a career in commercial art, working with leading advertising agencies such as Zenith Advertising, Intersel Advertising, and Vision Advertising before founding his own firm, Impetus Limited, in 1981. Despite his success in the advertising industry, his passion for fine art remained strong, leading him to return to painting full-time. His first painting, Mother and Child, was purchased by his first collector, Datin Ranjini Hendry of Malaysia, in 1981.

In 2003, Jayantha debuted his first solo exhibition, “Expressions,” at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, marking his emergence as a distinguished artist. Since then, he has held multiple successful exhibitions both in Sri Lanka and internationally, with prestigious venues including the National Art Gallery, the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle, and the American Centre in Colombo. His work has also garnered recognition from institutions such as the Sri Lanka Tea Board, which commissioned him to create a large-scale artwork for the Katunayake Airport and Aviation Office.

Jayantha’s artistic style is rooted in realism, fueled by an acute observational ability and a photographic memory that allows him to mentally store and later recreate scenes with remarkable precision. He works primarily with charcoal, pastels, and acrylics, capturing the depth and essence of his subjects with striking clarity.

A firm believer that art is an accessible skill, Jayantha encourages aspiring artists to hone their observational abilities and refine their technique. As demand for original art continues to rise, he remains committed to creating works that resonate with collectors, art lovers, and corporate clients alike.

Jayantha’s 18th Annual Solo Exhibition, “Expressions 18,” will be held at the Lionel Wendt from May 2nd to 5th, 2025.