Welcome Readers,
India Art Fair 2025 is tomorrow and our excitement cannot be contained. Numerous galleries have walked the pavilions of IAF 2025, with some establishing themselves as a staple in this art fair.
Today we have with us Saskia Fernando. She is the Founder and Director of PRSFG. As we all know Paradise Road Saskia Fernando Gallery (PRSFG) exhibitions are known as a fusion of traditional and modern Art, sheltering a humungous roster of artists, since its inception. As they further their legacy and mission with the 16th edition of India Art Fair, we sit down with them for a little tête-à-tête.
Q. Hello Saskia. It’s a pleasure to converse with you. First of all, congratulations on making it to the India Art Fair 2025! Let’s get the ball rolling. Could you tell us about the PRSFG and its mission?
Saskia: It’s my pleasure and thank you for chatting with us!
At PRSFG we aim to provide a dynamic platform that celebrates established and emerging voices in Sri Lankan and South Asian art. Since last year we have expanded to two gallery locations across Colombo that host a diverse range of exhibitions and cultural programming. At the same time, we also continue to put the spotlight on Sri Lankan artists on the international stage through art fairs and collaborations with prestigious galleries worldwide. We’re committed to honouring the rich history of Sri Lankan art and shaping its future by supporting the next generation of artists.
Q. As we know, the India Art Fair is a hotspot for contemporary South-Asian art. This begets the question – what is the need or rather the importance for a Sri Lanka-based gallery, such as yourself, in such settings?
Saskia: Sri Lanka, while being such a rich cultural hub, doesn’t always have the same international visibility it deserves. By being part of a platform like the India Art Fair, we can help tell that story—showcasing the complexities of Sri Lankan contemporary art in all its diversity showcasing the immense significance of Sri Lankan art in South Asia. Our gallery represents a diverse emerging contemporary artists; a collection of voices from Sri Lanka, ranging from the long-established to young emerging practitioners, and it’s exciting to bring that melting pot of influences to a global audience.
Courtesy – PRSFG
Q. This time around, PRSFG is the only gallery representing, Sri Lanka. Saskia, I wonder whether you find it a pressure, a challenge, or a crafted opportunity to narrate the vernacular and charm of each city via the artworks that you have chosen to represent at IAF.
Saskia: It’s definitely an opportunity! It’s an honour and a responsibility, but I wouldn’t say it’s pressure. The art and culture in Colombo, and Sri Lanka in general has a unique history and a distinct contemporary scene that many people may not know about. Our selection of works for this year reflects the diversity and richness of our city’s artistic community and in particular shows the development of the abstract art movement in the country. It’s exciting to have the chance to present the island’s atmosphere through the eyes of these incredible artists.
Q. Could you tell me about the represented artists who’ll be the centre of attraction at the 16th edition of IAF? Taken from your gigantic directory, what makes these artists unique?
Saskia: A highlight of our showcase this year is H. A. Karunaratne, the father of abstract art in Sri Lanka, whose work combines materials like fabric and metal to evoke rhythm and energy, deeply influenced by Buddhist and Zen philosophies. Alongside Karunaratne, we’ll feature Kingsley Gunatillake, Jagath Ravindra, and Ruwan Prasanna, all of whom explore abstraction in unique ways—whether through vibrant colours, emotional depth, or the fleeting beauty of nature.
Courtesy – PRSFG
We’re also thrilled to present emerging practitioners like Kavan Balasuriya, whose geometric abstractions create optical illusions using aluminium foil, and Sandatharaka Abeysinghe, whose hyperrealistic paintings reflect the relationship between nature and humanity amidst urbanization. These artists highlight the exciting evolution of contemporary art in Sri Lanka, and we’re proud to bring their work to the global stage at IAF.
Q. This is not your first time at IAF, is it? What are you looking forward to in this edition of the India Art Fair? We all strive to be better, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. How are you planning to take it to the next level?
Saskia: This is our 4th time participating in the fair. We have been able to develop such a wonderful relationship with the IAF team and the program itself has grown from strength to strength. Something I’m looking forward to is participating in a panel discussion as a part of the Growing Focus Talk Series. We are also so excited to see the presence of Sri Lankan artists and exhibitions across other galleries, this year the most to date and that presence alongside our dedicated booth is something to be excited about.
Courtesy – PRSFG
Q. Let’s talk about the art market trends, Saskia, shall we? What do you see selling more — is it contemporary artists or established personalities? How were the sales for you last year? Are there any projections you’ve made for the new edition?
Saskia: It’s a really interesting mix right now. On one hand, there’s a strong demand for emerging contemporary art in Sri Lanka and around the world—people want fresh perspectives and work that speaks to the current climate. Looking ahead, I think the trend will continue to lean towards discovery. Audiences are looking for works that resonate with their own experiences and identities, so we’ll be focusing on artists who push the envelope in their respective mediums.
Q. You have participated in multiple art events, fairs, and exhibitions such as Art Dubai and Frieze London. What makes the India Art Fair different from them? Or is it that IAF is yet another art fair?
Saskia: Every art fair has its vibe, but what sets India Art Fair apart is its commitment to nurturing and uplifting the arts infrastructure of the region. It’s more than just a showcase of art—it’s a reflection of the broader South-Asian artistic pulse. You get a real sense of the region’s evolving identity. The energy, the conversations, the diversity of perspectives—it all makes IAF a special and vital experience. It’s about being in the moment and engaging with something dynamic, something that’s part of a global shift in how the contemporary art of the South Asian region is understood.
Courtesy – PRSFG
Q. There is no denying that India Art Fair is not just an exhibition, but also a platform where community building is a given. What other benefits do you think the other galleries, who aren’t participating this year, are missing out on
Saskia: That’s absolutely true—IAF is a community, and the relationships that get built here are invaluable. Galleries that don’t participate here miss out on the chance to tap into a dynamic international art network and a diverse audience. It’s also an opportunity to be part of something that influences art trends, shapes discussions, and brings visibility to underrepresented artists. There’s also the sheer joy of meeting like-minded curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts from all over the world. You just can’t put a price on that kind of exposure.
Q. What do you think India’s participation is to furthering the art, feeding into the global art movements? How has the Indian art market been for you?
Saskia: India has always been at the forefront of global art movements. It’s a place of innovation. Indian art influenced by global styles still carries qualities of classical and contemporary art. For us, it’s been fantastic meeting Indian collectors and art buyers, whether they’re established collectors or new to the art of collecting. The Indian art market is incredibly vibrant, and I see a huge appetite for both South Asian art and global conversations that are rooted in our shared histories and identities. We’ve been fortunate to have strong connections in the Indian market, and we’re excited about continuing those relationships.
Courtesy – PRSFG
Q. Where can our readers find out more about PRSFG and its ethos? Do you currently offer a virtual gallery tour? If so, where can they find you?
Saskia: Absolutely! For anyone who’d like to learn more about us and the significance of Sri Lankan art in South Asia, our website is a great place to start. We’ve also been active on social media with regular updates on our exhibitions, artist profiles, and projects. You can find more information at www.prsfg.com, and we’re also on Instagram and Facebook at @prsfgsrilanka. If you’re visiting the India Art Fair 2025, do come and find us at Booth D02. We’d love to meet you in person!
Q. Thank you so much, Saskia for sitting down with us. We wish you the best for the India Art Fair. See you there 🙂
Saskia: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. We’re really looking forward to IAF and can’t wait to see you there.
Image – (L) H A Karunaratne, 2019, Untitled, Mixed Media on Board, 88 x 102 cm; (R) H A Karunaratne; Courtesy – PRSFG
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