Election by Avinda Tishan

Avinda Tishan is a radical political artist whose work strikes at the core of global political systems through the lens of Sri Lanka’s post-revolutionary reality. His thick, impasto brushstrokes—layered with oil and acrylic—are intentionally chaotic, capturing the unpredictability and upheaval that ripple through societies in turmoil. Tishan’s paintings don’t merely reflect the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s political struggles; they serve as a critique of power structures worldwide. His art engages with the ways in which governments and systems fail their people, portraying both the collective trauma and resilience that follow radical change.

Influenced by Post-Impressionism, particularly the expressive freedom of French masters, Tishan’s compositions are raw, textured, and emotionally charged. They embody the tension between control and collapse, mirroring the universal experiences of societies facing political unrest, authoritarianism, and the fight for justice. His work transcends Sri Lanka’s borders, reflecting a global struggle against oppression and inequality, using color and form to challenge the viewer’s perception of resistance and rebellion.

While his early practice was steeped in the intricate traditions of Sri Lankan temple art, that foundation now sits in stark contrast to his more provocative, contemporary explorations. Those roots serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between past and present, tradition and disruption—elements Tishan now radically reinterprets to interrogate not just his homeland, but the very nature of power itself.