Blending art and skill

Nestled within a 400 year old fortress and situated along the infamous Peddlers Street stands a gallery of art that offers visitors an opportunity to experience Sri Lanka through the lens of a truly talented photographer.

During the fourth annual Galle Literature Festival which will be held at the Dutch Fort in Galle, the “Peddlers Inn Gallery” will display the works of Photographer Asif Jiffry who has made a name for himself with his unique style in capturing moments and objects, blending vivid imagery with abstract flavour giving it another dimension that is sure to enthral minds of any viewer. His passion for travel and photography has merged together, resulting in a wide array of images from all parts of the world. It is truly a collection not to miss.

During the Literacy Festival the items on display will centre on images of Sri Lanka. A candid moment of spiritual respect, a walk through the corridors of an ancient palace, the colourful contrast of tropical fruits frozen in time, an abstract of the famous Sandakada Pahana, an ancient Buddhist temple, the hard labour of a street vendor, these are some of the many moments and objects that are on display.

The exhibition offers patrons an experience like no other with an opportunity to speak with the photographer who will give an insight to the moment that led up to each image. As they say a picture speaks a thousand words and each of these images has story to tell. In addition to an exquisite array of photographs, it is the framing of these photos that makes the exhibition even more tempting.

Encapsulating these works of art you will find antique frames made out of window frames that are over 100 years old, frames made out of railway sleepers from the colonial era and modern solid wood frames that have been handmade by skilled carpenters using traditional working techniques in order to ensure each item skilfully crafted. The Peddlers Inn Gallery also displays a wide range of handmade jewellery designed by Sifath Thajudeen and turned out of 925 Sterling Silver featuring precious and semi precious stones such as Amethyst, Coloured Quartz and Tourmaline to name a few. A majority of the stones are locally sourced and preserved in its uncut form giving it a unique look and modern touch. Catering to any age group these items are works of art themselves.

The Peddlers Inn Gallery is an amalgamation of art and skill that promises to deliver an experience like no other and is a must see at the Galle Literature Festival.