Island mentality refers to the notion of isolated communities perceiving themselves as exceptionalor superior to the rest of the world. This term does not directly refer to a geographically confinedsociety, but to the cultural, moral, or ideological superiority of a community lacking socialexposure.As an island moved towards achieving independence in 1948, a modernist movement, also knownas the 43 Group, changed the traditionally influenced Sri Lankan art scene. During the war thatbegan in 1983, the 90s movement seeked to break away from these westernized practices. Todaythe art scene is experiencing a new momentum due to the post war environment that has openedit up to South Asia and the world. A growing interest in the works of the 43 Group internationallyand the inclusion of established and emerging contemporary artists in presentations of SouthAsian art ensure that the history of the Sri Lankan art scene is established while the future iswell sustained. Inevitably the criticism and expectations that follow this interest begin to formstereotypes in the definitions being presented to the outside world. Whether towards the organicway in which the art community chooses to function, or the assumed elitist approach towardsengaging with art; these criticisms place a diverse art scene into a narrow set of expectationsand preferences that find parallels with contemporary art internationally and sensationalize thecontent that is more accessible.