SRI LANKA: Tattoo Pioneer KENNY ADAMS – Modern Tattoo Studios & Equipment Supplies

The creative artist KENNY ADAMS from Sri Lanka started drawing already as a child, initially with pens and brushes on paper. Time passed, he kept on painting, but meanwhile preferably on human skin. Starting out as a single tattoo artist, he has built up an entire collective and network under MODERN TATTOO, which currently consists of four studios around the country. Additionally he also runs a supply service for tattoo equipment. We spoke to the versatile artist in an interview about the tattooing, the development of his projects and his vision for Sri Lanka’s tattoo culture.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Streetart Nuwara Eliya – Mountain Graffiti and Urban Art Collection

The small town of Nuwara Eliya with 27,000 inhabitants is located in the middle of the country in the mountainous area. The region is famous for the many tea plantations, the beautiful green nature and the relaxing Lake Gregory. While travelling along the warm beach climate on the coast, this idyllic and colder region is an pleasant contrast. And as everywhere else, of course you can also find great urban artworks here, from small pieces to larger murals.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Nuwara Eliya – Tea Plantations, Agriculture & Lake Gregory

Nuwara Eliya is located roughly in the middle of Sri Lanka and also in the middle of the hilly tea plantations. Everything looks completely different again, not just the nature but also the architecture. The place seems like an enclave of rich landowners who have built a racecourse, cricket fields, chic residential complexes and hotels, and who have converted Lake Gregory into a small recreational and leisure park. The hills around are completely filled exclusively with the best tea plantations. A walk through the groves is really impressive and the mountain views are outstanding.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Streetart Negombo – Kudapaduwa District – Urban Art Collection

Negombo is a town with around 140,000 inhabitants on the west coast of Sri Lanka and is located like a suburb to the north of the capital Colombo. A smaller coty with relaxed beaches and daily fishing life. Ideal for starting a trip if you don’t want to head straight into the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis. Here we have a collection of urban art from the neighbourhood Kudapaduwa which is located in the north of this fishermen town.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Streetart Mirissa – Graffiti and Urban Art at Surfer’s Paradise

Mirissa is one of the hot spots for the surf community in the country and a popular tourist destination with good waves and fine sandy beaches. Visitors from all over the world come to Mirissa, and of course including many creative artists from the field of graffiti, which is why you can see really a lot of cool pieces on the walls here. Western-style graffiti with letters, because mostly you tend to see figurative murals on the island which are also around, but in Mirissa there is a comparatively large amount of graffiti.

>>> READ MORE

 

SRI LANKA: Historic Galle – Dutch Fortress, Old Lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galle is a city with around 93,000 inhabitants on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is known for its large fort complex and the colonial old town, which were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588 and conquered and extended by the Dutch in 1649. The old town, enclosed by the fortification walls and cannon stands, is an interesting sight with cafés, stores, museums and hotels in the architectural style of the 16th century. On the south-eastern coastal tip of the fort is the Galle Lighthouse, built in 1938.

>>> READ MORE

 

SRI LANKA: Streetart Kandy – Urban Art in the Sacred City – Historical Mural and Modern Graffiti

Kandy is a large city with around 160,000 inhabitants on a plateau in the middle of the country surrounded by idyllic tea plantations and species-rich rainforests. There is also a palace complex and various Buddhist holy sites, including the famous temple Sri Dalada Maligawa, where a tooth of Buddha is enshrined. Kandy is therefore also known as the Sacred City. Accordingly, there are also many urban artworks in the streets depicting historical and religious scenes, but also with modern motifs.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Negombo Lagoon & Monkey Island – Fishermen Town Boat Journey

The Negombo lagoon is a beautiful place worth visiting to get to know nature and the life of the inhabitants. It provides the town with a special triangle between land, salt water and fresh water. Accordingly, special fish species and plants thrive there. Another special feature is an island on which Toque Macaque Monkeys have settled. The so-called “Monkey Island”.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Vehicle Art – Bus Design – Creative Public Transport – Moving Artworks

The buses and large vehicles for public transportation in Sri Lanka look more or less similar as in other countries in terms of size and construction, but the exterior design is simply unique. Most countries tend to use conservative designs for their public transport buses, like single-colored vehicles with a discreet logo. Things are completely different in Sri Lanka, where the buses are awesome true works of art. Those mostly Indian Ashok Leyland are colorfully upgraded and shine bright in every corner, not only on the outside but also on the inside. The more color, the better.

>>> READ MORE

SRI LANKA: Streetart Matara – Cultural Graffiti and Urban Art in the southernmost city

Matara is the southernmost town in Sri Lanka and has a population of around 44,000. It is located on the Indian Ocean with rocky cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches, and the Nilwala River flows through the city into Dondra Bay. There is also a land connection of the SEA-ME-WE-5 submarine cable here, as evidenced by an interesting monument on the beach. Also worth seeing are the remains of the old fort and the Paravi Duwa temple with the former cable bridge. Throughout the town, you will find works of art on the walls depicting historical or religious scenes, as well as modern messages or abstract paintings.

>>> READ MORE