Behind the Canvas: 14 Unknown Facts About Artist Senaka Senanayake

Sri Lankan artist Senaka Senanayake is one of South Asia’s most famous artists, with an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades. But, while his rise to fame as a child prodigy might be widely known, there are many more unknown stories about his life and professional journey. Here are some fascinating facts about Senaka Senanayake that many of his collectors may not know!

How old was Senaka Senanayake when he had his first solo exhibition?

When he was only 7 years old, Senaka exhibited 50 paintings at the prestigious Ceylon Society of Arts, the oldest art institution of its kind in Sri Lanka — today, it is known as the National Art Gallery. After visiting the Senanayake family home, journalist and art critic Mr. L.P. Goonetilleke was so impressed that he presented Senaka’s work to the board members of the Society, and they unanimously agreed to host the first solo exhibition of a child artist.

And when did Senaka have his first international exhibition?

In 1961, Senaka’s paintings were exhibited internationally at fine art galleries in San Diego, California and New York, New York.

How did Senaka respond to this attention and fame at such a young age?

In his early years, Senaka stayed away from the limelight. In fact, the night of his first exhibition opening at Ceylon Society of Arts, he stayed home to paint with a new set of oils, gifted by “Uncle LP” (the critic Mr. L.P. Goonetilleke). When his parents came home from the reception, Senaka had already completed his first oil painting, depicting flowers!

Besides art, did Senaka have other passions as a child?

Senaka loved cricket as much as he loved art! He captained his team in the junior cricket league.

Did his early success encourage Senaka to pursue art professionally?

No, Senaka did not decide to continue as a painter until college. As a young boy, he dreamed of being a cricketer. As a teen, he considered becoming a plastic surgeon, as his parents did not view art as a stable career.

Were there any fellow artists in the Senanayake family?

Although many of Senaka’s family members were lawyers, businessmen and politicians, there was also a keen interest in art among the Senanayakes. His great-grandmother was a skilled painter who studied under a visiting German artist named Ortell. His mother demonstrated artistic talent as a student at Kandy High School, even winning several awards for her watercolor paintings in National exhibitions. His father also won a few drawing awards as a child.

When did Senaka first visit the United States?

In 1965, Senaka visited the US for the first time at 14 years old. He remembers he was determined to bring home a “walkie talkie” doll for his little sister.

Which American universities did Senaka apply to and receive acceptance for his undergraduate degree?

He was admitted to both Yale and Princeton, and he received full scholarships from both universities, too.

What did Senaka study at Yale University, and when did he graduate?

Senaka studied Art and Architecture with a minor in political science. He graduated from Yale in 1972. Shortly after that, he moved home to Sri Lanka with the goal of pursuing art professionally.

Which friends and family have championed Senaka’s artistic pursuits?

During the early years, “Uncle LP” was instrumental in organizing Senaka’s first exhibition and promoting his artwork, and he was a dear friend and mentor until he passed away in 1976. And, in spite of her concerns about art as a career, Senaka’s mother Nalini was also a very important early supporter. Later on, Senaka’s wife Jenny became his source of inspiration and encouragement.

What does Senaka say was the most important day of his personal life?

On July 7, 1975, Senaka married his teenage sweetheart, Jenny. They are a  sweet couple, and they have created a beautiful family together.

What are the major subjects in Senaka Senanayake’s current paintings, and what significance do they hold?

For the past 20 years, Senaka has primarily depicted rainforests, hoping that the beauty and joy of nature will inspire environmental conservation. He frequently depicts tropical animals like tigers, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as tropical plants including lotuses, heliconias, banana leaves and orchids.

How does Senaka Senanayake’s Sri Lankan heritage influence his artistic themes and style?

As a child in Sri Lanka, Senaka Senanayake painted the animals, birds, nature and day-to-day life that he saw around him. He grew up with a large garden, and he would carefully examine the leaves and flowers, developing a lifelong interest in painting plants and birds. He also found inspiration in Buddhist monks and festivals, as Buddhism is a major religion of Sri Lanka.

How many exhibitions has Senaka Senanyake had throughout his career?

As of 2021, Senaka Senanayake has been the subject of over 150 solo exhibitions in over 18 countries, including the United States, China, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Korea and Egypt to name a few. His paintings are also held by museums, private collections and corporate headquarters of multinationals around the world.

Senaka Senanayake has truly led a remarkable life, and I hope you learned something new through these interesting facts! To read more about the artist or browse available paintings by Senaka Senanayake, please visit https://laasyaart.com/senaka-senanayake/. If you would like to make an appointment to see these works in person at our South Asian art gallery in Palo Alto, California, please reach out at info@laasyaart.com or +1 650-770-9088.

— Sonia Patwardhan