“Every resulting mark on the material substance or canvas now becomes, as some critics say, a signifier of a corresponding moment in the experience of fabricating the object. It used to be said, perhaps illogically, that artworks express their makers’ feelings. Perera has put aside that cliché. Perhaps he believes, with reason, that physical objects cannot express anything.” Larry D. Lutchmansingh

​Mahen Perera is a multidisciplinary artist renowned for his innovative approach to materiality and form. He began his artistic journey with training at the National Design Centre in Colombo. Subsequently, he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore, affiliated with the Open University UK, graduating with first-class honors. In 2007, Perera was awarded the prestigious Winston Oh Travel Award, which facilitated a month-long residency in Prague, further enriching his artistic perspective. ​

Perera’s art is characterized by a profound engagement with the residual and the tactile. He often incorporates found objects and personal artefacts into his work, subjecting materials to processes such as ripping, knotting, stitching, and bleaching. This meticulous manipulation transforms everyday materials into evocative pieces that explore themes of memory, desire, and the human condition. His works challenge traditional notions of painting by extending into sculptural forms, thereby blurring the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. 

Perera’s exhibitions have garnered attention both locally and internationally. Notable showcases include ‘Time Lost and Found’ at Barefoot Gallery in 2009, ‘Stories Within’ at Saskia Fernando Gallery in 2018, and ‘Sea Change’ at Colomboscope in 2019. His participation in the Colombo Art Biennale’s ‘Making History’ in 2014 and the ‘Serendipity Revealed’ exhibition at Brunel Gallery in London the same year further cemented his reputation. In 2016, he collaborated with Vogue India for ‘Project One’ in Mumbai, demonstrating his versatility and ability to intersect art with fashion and culture. ​

Perera’s artistic practice is deeply introspective, often reflecting on the complexities of human emotions and the impermanence of existence. Through his transformative use of materials, he invites viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life and the layered experiences that shape our identities. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to convey profound philosophical inquiries through the manipulation of form and substance. By challenging conventional artistic boundaries, Mahen Perera continues to contribute significantly to the contemporary art landscape of Sri Lanka and beyond.