Pradeep Thalawatta (b. 1979, Ratnapura) explores the intersections of material culture and everyday life. Using imagery drawn from popular and mass culture, such as packaging, found objects, and the vernacular aesthetics of the street, Thalawatta examines complexities of social relations, economic struggles, and urban realities in his practice..
His works has been exhibited at several solo and group shows in Sri Lanka and has also exhibited at the Dhaka Art Summit, Bangladesh (2018), Zahoor-Ul-Ikhlaq Gallery, Pakistan (2018), Times Museum Hong Kong (2016), Dakar Biennale Africa (2016), Satrang Gallery Pakistan (2015), Brunei Gallery London (2014), 1 Shanthiroad GalleryIndia (2010), and National Art Gallery Maldives (2009).
He was among the 30 finalists selected for the Asian Art Prize, Christie’s, Hong Kong (2014-15) and was an awardee of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute for South Asian Arts scholarship for the years 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. His works belong in the permanent collection at Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Japan and Millesgarden Museum, Sweden.