Ama Liyanage, a contemporary artist and printmaker, creates whimsical paintings from her home studio in Kitchener, ON. Each piece holds minuscule painted details waiting to be discovered, narrating stories or invoking a touch of humor for perceptive observers.
Embarking on a journey of rediscovering creativity in adulthood, Liyanage embraces art as a vocation. This transformative path began with a reflection on the power of relaxation, a departure from years spent wrestling with self-worth tied solely to productivity.
Through her canvases, Liyanage proudly amplifies the voices of women of color, reclaiming spaces historically devoid of their representation. Drawing from her experiences as a Sri Lankan navigating colonial spaces in Canada, her art challenges one-dimensional portrayals of women of color often centered around labor. Inspired by French and Dutch Impressionist art, particularly representations of white men and women, her work adds a thought-provoking layer to her creative journey.
Liyanage has exhibited her work in several exhibitions and art fairs including the Toronto Artist Project and won the first prize award at the Homer Watson House & Gallery Juried Show.
Her art reflects her experiences as a Sri Lankan in Canada, adding depth and nuance to her pieces.
