HIRANYA RANAWAKE
Hiranya is a Figurative artist practicing full-time, based in Redland Bay. Her prominent body of work consists of stylised abstract figurines, mildly influenced by romanticism and symbolism, which have progressively developed into a sophisticated, unique style. Moody expressive body language and signature colourful line works discuss traditional ideas through a contemporary lens. The imaginary portraits of female identity depict semi-self-portraiture and personal history.
Hiranya’s artistic expressions and techniques celebrate the artist’s cultural heritage enriched by the traditional works of local masters, folklore and the studies of classical Indo-Aryan painting styles.
She has been exhibiting widely locally and internationally over the past seven years and has garnered an impressive base of art collectors across the world. Hiranya is focusing on her own evolution through experimentation and storytelling.
EDUCATION:
• Diploma in Fine Arts by National Art Gallery/Sri Lanka for
Still-life, Life-drawings, Plenaire, Traditional South Asian figure
painting techniques, Sculpture and Museum studies
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS/SHOWS:
• (2025) World Art Dubai – World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE
• (2025) The Other Art Fair – The Timber Yard, Melbourne, Australia
• (2024) The Other Art Fair – White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney,
Australia
• (2024) Camberwell Art show – Swinburne University, Melbourne,
Australia
• (2024) Brisbane Rotary Art show – QLD, Australia
• (2024) We dream in Colour – Art Lovers Australia, Group show,
Melbourne, Australia
• (2022) “Forever Summer” – Solo Exhibition, Redland Shire,
QLD, Australia
• (2022) “The Canticle of the Rainbow” – Book launch, Redland
Shire, QLD, Australia
• (2021) “Sense of Place” – Group Exhibition, Waltzing Matilda
Centre-Museum, Winton, QLD , Australia
• (1990-1995) Solo exhibitions, National Art Gallery – Colombo,
Sri Lanka
• (1990-1995) Group exhibitions, National Art Gallery – Colombo,
Sri Lanka
• (1994) “My Heritage” Paintings, Wood Art and Paper Craft
(Solo) – BMICH, Sri Lanka
• (1988) “Life and Culture” – Group Exhibition – BMICH, Colombo,
Sri Lanka
SELECTED AWARDS & RESIDENCIES:
• (2024) Lethbridge 20000 small scale art award – Finalist,
Lethbridge Gallery, Brisbane, Australia
• (2024 The Doyles Award: Finalist, Mudgeeraba, QLD, Australia
• (2022) John Villiers Outback Art Prize: Finalist, Waltzing
Matilda Centre/Museum, Winton, QLD, Australia
• (2021) BigCi Artist Residency, hosted by Bilpin international
ground for Creative initiatives, NSW, Australia
• (1993) President’s Award – Public art project (Mural) – National
Hospital Complex, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• (1993) Gold Medalist – “Figurative Painting competition” – Finland
• (1992) Silver Medalist – “Contemporary life drawing” – Japan
• (1990) Gold Medalist – “Lifestyle painting” – South Asia Region
• (1985-1990) Winner of multiple “Interstate art competitions” –
Colombo, Sri Lanka
PRIVATE ART COLLECTIONS:
Hiranya’s works are collected by the USA, UK, U.A.E, Australia, New
Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore & Taiwan
