The monograph ‘Anoma’ which covers 50 years of the work of Anoma Wijewardene made its Colombo debut on September 9 at the Shangri-La Colombo in the presence of a very large literary, artistic and distinguished gathering that was a record in itself. The monograph was launched at Central, Saint Martin’s, University of London on International Women’s Day and in Colombo the launch was in collaboration with Colombo No.7 Gin, Shangri-La Colombo, AOD Colombo and the Residence at One Galle Face.
Central Saint Martin’s in recognition of Anoma’s illustrious and creative career partnered her at the Monograph’s London launch. It’s interesting to note that her fellow alumni include Alexander Mc Queen, Stella Mc Cartney, Pierce Brosnan, Sir James Dyson and Mangala Samaraweera.
Sri Lankans are proud of the fact that Anoma was the only Sri Lankan solo artist to be invited and show at the European Cultural Council, during the 58th Venice Biennale 2019 and has gained international recognition for her works spanning five decades.
Seventy years ago the 43 Group which included George Keyt, Justin Deraniyagala, Ivan Peiris and George Classen were invited to this ‘Olympics’ of Art. Anoma’s work was featured on the cover of British Vogue 1974 and in 2016 she exhibited at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery.
The book which was printed in Singapore contains 200 images, five essays and contributions from renowned writers, and has been edited by Richard Simon who has also contributed an essay.
It was designed in London by the award winning Micha Weidmann studio which consults for the Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy of Art. The well known Chris Sanderson of the Future Laboratory whose clients include Google, BMW and BBC, handled the Art direction.
For the past 18 years Anoma’s solo exhibitions have centered on climate emergency and coexistence diversity and unity. Her next chapter, she tells us, will focus on supporting women in art through a foundation. A portion of the sales from this book will go towards the support and to mentor women who aspire to a career in art.
‘Anoma’ the monograph is now available at Barefoot Bookshop, Kollupitiya and at Urban Island, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7.