Nawi Samaraweera

Nawi Samaraweera is a Sri Lankan artist, born 26 July 1947 in Kamburupitiya, Matara.

Early life He was greatly influenced by his father who was well known for his wood carvings and by the rural village atmosphere he grew up in. Samaraweera entered the Government College of Fine Arts Colombo after secondary education in 1966 and won the Scholarship awarded for the "Best Student" of the college in 1967. In 1969, his dream of sculpting was inspired by the Sri Lankan sculptor Tissa Ranasingha.

Career as a fine artist In 1970, Samaraweera won his first special award for the sculpture "Abhayabhoomi", from the Ceylon Society of Arts. By 1971 Samaraweera was an active sculptor and graduated from the Government College of Fine Arts Colombo. In the same year, he won the first prize for the Sculpture "Bhikshuwa" at the exhibition of Contemporary Paintings and Sculptures organized for the first time by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Ceylon Society of Arts and by Cultural Council of Ceylon. In 1972, he joined the government service as a Specialized Arts Lecturer.

In 1973, Samaraweera held his maiden solo exhibition at the Samudra Gallery Colombo. Therein, he went on to participate in various Art Exhibitions locally as well as internationally. Samaraweera has won many prizes from competitive Art Exhibitions. for his special contribution to the development of the Arts, which was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Renowned personalities around the world have commended Samaraweera for his contribution to fine-arts. Having dedicated more than 45 years of his life to the advancement of Fine-Art, Samaraweera continues his artistic journey by adapting to the newest trends in the modern mediums of art, such as Digital Paintings on iPad.

Career timeline 1966 – Entered the Government College of Fine Arts. 1967 – Won the scholarship award for the best student of the College of Fine Arts. 1968 – Became a member of the Ceylon Society of Arts. 1970 – The special prize for the sculpture "Abhaya Bhoomi" from Ceylon society of Arts. 2016 – Awarded at the "Kalabhooshana", National State Awards Ceremony which was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka. 2017 – Listed amongst the "10 Sri Lankan Artists You Should Know", by the Culture Trip Magazine.