“Paintings are like old friends for Kushan, for he spends long periods on them, preferring to work on several at a time, rather than churn them out in quick succession…Unlike other artists who show their work on a regular basis, Kushan’s exhibitions are rare events…The diminutive, soft-spoken artist is most often difficult to track down, preferring jungle haunts to the urban milieu.” Renuka Sadanandan

Kushan Manjusri was born into a lineage steeped in artistic and intellectual tradition; he is the son of the renowned painter and scholar L.T.P. Manjusri and both his siblings are artists as well. Kushan inherited not only his father’s name but also a profound sensitivity to the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of art. He has carved out a distinctive niche by blending traditional Buddhist iconography with bold, experimental techniques.

A defining characteristic of Kushan Manjusri’s work is his ability to reinterpret Buddhist symbolism in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. He does not replicate the classical forms of temple murals or religious art, but instead reimagines them through a modern visual language, drawing inspiration from India and the West as well in the process.

This fusion results in powerful, layered imagery that speaks both to the past and the present. For instance, his recurring use of the Bodhisattva figure—especially Manjusri, the embodiment of wisdom—serves as a metaphorical exploration of knowledge, compassion, and ethical engagement. In doing so, Kushan challenges viewers to think critically about the role of spirituality and philosophy in a world often marked by violence and division.

He is known as an artist whose exhibitions occur very infrequently. Nevertheless, one may find his artwork at places of eminence, such as the main entrance hall of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and Temple Trees, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Manjusri is also the artist who made facsimile copies of the 2300 square meters collection of wall and ceiling paintings in the Dambulla cave shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.