THE BAYLEAF ART GALLERY PRESENTS ITS 10TH ART EXHIBITION SINCE ITS LAUNCH WITH RAJA SEGAR’S CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITION “REFRACTIONS OF MEMORY”PEOPLE, PLACES AND STORIES
An Exhibition of Paintings & Serigraph
The Bayleaf Art Gallery, launched in 2024 , transforms the restaurant into an immersive exhibition space. At The Bayleaf, the restaurant itself serves as the gallery, with artworks adorning its verandas, staircase landings, hidden corners and upper level gallery area by inviting guests to enjoy both exquisite Italian cuisine and visual delights at once.
Featuring Raja Segar, a well known Sri Lankan contemporary artist whose work bridges the country’s rich cultural heritage with modern artistic expression through a distinctive visual language and technical innovation.
Working primarily in oil and acrylic on canvas, he is internationally recognized for developing his signature “Refractive Effect in Cubism” a unique style characterized by geometric, fragmented forms inspired by the refraction of light through materials of varying densities. His paintings are celebrated for their vibrant color palettes, dynamic compositions, and expressive treatment of everyday Sri Lankan life. Drawing inspiration from tea puckers, village communities, shopkeepers, domestic interiors, landscapes, and personal memories, Segar transforms familiar scenes into compelling visual narratives that celebrate the spirit and cultural identity of Sri Lanka.
Segar began his artistic career as a greeting card designer in the early 1980s. In 1984, a customer requested “a big card,” inspiring him to paint his first work on canvas. What began as an unexpected commission marked the beginning of a distinguished artistic journey spanning more than four decades. His first and second solo exhibitions were held at the Alliance Française de Colombo and Alliance Française de Kandy, establishing the foundation for an extensive international exhibition career. Since then, he has presented solo exhibitions at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery and the British Council in Colombo, as well as in Melbourne and Sydney (Australia) Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad (India); Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) Singapore, South Korea; Canada; and the United Kingdom.
Segar’s works are held in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne, the National Art Gallery of Sri Lanka, and numerous public and private collections across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. His work has been featured in Reader’s Digest and several international art and lifestyle publications. Widely recognized for his contribution to contemporary Sri Lankan art, Raja Segar continues to expand the language of modern painting through his pioneering Refractive Effect in Cubism, seamlessly integrating local culture with contemporary artistic expression.
The Exhibition is curated by Sadev Wittachy a passionate collector and advocate for emerging local artists; Sadev strives to elevate their talent by providing a platform that connects audiences with Sri Lanka’s vibrant creative community.
The Bayleaf, now in its 21st year, continues to delight guests with exceptional Italian cuisine while championing Sri Lankan artists and performers.
Selected art is available for sale at The Bayleaf 11am – 10pm. 2695920
