Nestled in a quiet corner of Colombo, Sri Lanka, lies a unique art space that’s redefining the way we experience art.
Nestled in a quiet corner of Colombo, Sri Lanka, lies a unique art space that’s redefining the way we experience art. Welcome to COCA (Collective of Contemporary Artists) Symbiosis, a brainchild of founders and directors—Poornima Amali Jayasinghe and Chinthaka Thenuwara.
As I stepped into this eclectic space, I was greeted by Poornima, who offered to take me on a tour of their collection. “We started in 2011,” she explained, adding, “and everything you see here is made from recycled materials. We are passionate about sustainability and community-driven art.”
COCA Symbiosis is more than just an art gallery – it’s a space that brings people together through art, food, and storytelling. “We collect handwritten recipes, host events, and even have a community kitchen,” Poornima shared, as she walked me through the various sections of the gallery. “We believe in giving new life to discarded objects and creating a sense of community around art.”
One of the most striking aspects of COCA Symbiosis is its focus on preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. “We are working on a new botanic project, archiving folk stories and legends connected with plants and people,” Chinthaka chimed in. “We are passionate about preserving our cultural heritage and making it accessible to everyone.”
As we navigated the gallery, I noticed a stunning collection of artwork from various Sri Lankan artists. “We are showcasing the work of artists from the 1943 group and the 1990s trend,” Poornima explained. “These artists were inspired by Western styles, but infused them with local aesthetics. We are proud to be showcasing their work and preserving our artistic heritage.”
What’s remarkable about COCA Symbiosis is its commitment to sustainability. “We are restoring a VW Viper to create a mobile gallery space,” Chinthaka revealed. “We believe in giving new life to discarded objects and reducing waste. Our mobile gallery space will allow us to take art to different parts of the city and engage with new audiences.”
As I explored the gallery, I was struck by the sense of community that pervades every aspect of COCA Symbiosis. From the community kitchen to the handmade crafts on display, everything seems to be infused with a sense of passion and purpose.
Hotels in Sri Lanka are now encouraging homegrown artists by exhibiting their works at their properties. For example, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams in Colombo is a total game-changer for art lovers! They have got over 1000 museum-grade art pieces commissioned just for the hotel. And the coolest part? They shine the spotlight on a new Sri Lankan artist every quarter! It's an amazing way to support local talent and showcase the country's rich art history. Truly an ode to Sri Lanka and its incredible artists!
In a city where luxe hotels are investing in preserving ancient art, COCA Symbiosis stands out as a symbol of innovation and community-driven art. “We are proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining the way we experience art,” Poornima said. “We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to making that a reality.”
After my tour of COCA Symbiosis, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the passion and creativity of its founders. In a world where art is often seen as elitist and exclusive, COCA Symbiosis is a powerful reminder that art can be a powerful tool for building community and preserving cultural heritage.
As Poornima aptly put it, “Everything has a story, and it’s not just about the object – it’s about the people and the memories attached to it. We are proud to be preserving those stories and sharing them with the world.”
