Born and brought up in Sri Lanka, Nelun has travelled around the country and is part of a generation that have witnessed the changes of the island over the last 40 years. In stark contrast to the work of many other painters in Sri Lanka, her paintings resonate with tension and torment without recourse to an expressionist or gestural style.
Nelun Harasgama’s work is distinctively recognisable. Her solitary figures, sitting or standing within bare interiors or barren landscapes have not only become synonymous with her near-abstract style but have also contributed to her standing as one of the few female artists of her generation. Nelun has been making work for approaching thirty years. On occasions, her solitary figures have been joined by a tree, a window or a chair but rarely much more. The sense of loneliness and isolation within her work is undeniable.
Nelun Harasgama’s work is distinctively recognisable. Her solitary figures, sitting or standing within bare interiors or barren landscapes have not only become synonymous with her near-abstract style but have also contributed to her standing as one of the few female artists of her generation. Nelun has been making work for approaching thirty years. On occasions, her solitary figures have been joined by a tree, a window or a chair but rarely much more. The sense of loneliness and isolation within her work is undeniable.