Maria Abeyesekere

Born in Colombo in 1970, Maria Abeyesekere, is an internationally known self-taught oil painter from Sri Lanka, traces her artistic roots back to a lineage of artists. inspired by the works of her ancestors created by European painters during the colonial era from 1800s and early 1900s, Maria's passion for figurative and portrait painting blossomed from a very young age. Her career soared after winning the Best Young Artist award in 1990, paving the way for prestigious commissions like the Ian and Roslin Goonetileke Collection and making waves on the international art scene. Juggling her talents with a career in marketing, Maria began painting part-time for art lovers worldwide, ultimately transitioning to a full-time artist after relocating in 2003 to the serene Central Highlands which is a sort-after tourist destination in the world. While experimenting with a multitude of subject matter, keeping her art rooted in the realistic style she cherishes, Maria's meticulous brushwork has earned her international acclaim, with invitations from international galleries and institutions to exhibit and to represent Sri Lanka at prestigious art events worldwide.