Artist in Focus: Imal Silva

Imal Silva’s life is a testament to the power of creative rediscovery. Born in 1971 and straddling the cultural landscapes of Sri Lanka and Nigeria, Silva spent decades balancing entrepreneurship and art. His journey, however, took a decisive turn in 2022 when he fully embraced his passion for studio practice after years of working in the corporate world. "I always intended to return to art," Silva explains. The pivotal moment came when he was invited to organize a retrospective exhibition in Ibadan, Nigeria—a city where his artistic roots were nurtured. The exhibition allowed him to take stock of his artistic evolution and served as the catalyst for his decision to focus on art full-time.

This wasn’t a hasty shift but rather the culmination of a long, reflective process. The success of the exhibition, both emotionally and professionally, convinced Silva that the time had come. “It felt like I had bought back decades of what I had missed,” he says. Since then, his creative output has flourished, with his works diving deep into abstract expression, existential themes, and the exploration of love and purpose.

 

‘This painting reflects the rare and mysterious beauty of nature, as I explore in my reflections on environmental phenomena.’

Listening to the Work: Silva's Abstract Process

Silva’s work is best described as abstract and contemporary, with a focus on oil, acrylic, and mixed media. What makes his approach distinctive is the deeply personal nature of his creative process. “As an abstract artist, I don’t have the literal references of realism,” he explains. Instead, his art emerges organically from within—a blend of emotions, visions, and experiences that gradually unfold on the canvas. "There’s a dialogue between the artist and the artwork," Silva notes, "and I must listen to the piece as much as I create it."

The choice of medium plays a pivotal role in this process. For Silva, the materials are not just tools but integral to the work's message. "Sometimes a single medium suffices, and at other times, a combination of media is necessary to achieve the desired outcome." Each medium offers a unique texture and voice, becoming part of the narrative itself.

 

‘Capturing the vibrant energy of life, this piece aligns with my abstract process of expressing emotion and movement.’

Curating and Creating: A Dual Perspective

In addition to being a practicing artist, Silva has extensive experience as a curator. This dual role has significantly influenced his approach to both art and the broader creative industry. “Curating allows me to think conceptually about my work and how it fits into larger conversations,” he says. Having curated numerous exhibitions and judged major competitions in Nigeria, Silva’s experience has given him a nuanced understanding of how to present and interpret not only his own work but also the work of others. This perspective has enabled him to develop thematic frameworks that resonate more deeply with his audience, democratizing the art experience by fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Silva strives to make art more accessible, encouraging participation from diverse voices and breaking down barriers between artists and audiences. His collaborative approach fosters inclusivity, ensuring that the conversation around art is one that everyone can take part in.

Through curating, Silva has gained a holistic view of the creative process, helping him navigate the business and social aspects of the art world. His ability to adapt to various settings, from conventional galleries to cross-disciplinary spaces, enriches the dialogue surrounding his work.

Art, Life, and Love: Central Themes

At the core of Silva’s practice are the themes of life, purpose, and love—existential concepts he sees as central to his own life and art. His artistic expressions are deeply reflective of these ideas, with each piece inviting viewers to engage in a quiet, ongoing conversation. "I see art as a message of love I can leave with the viewer," Silva shares, "something that stays with them long after they’ve seen the work."

His multicultural background, spanning Sri Lanka and Nigeria, adds further layers to his artistic vision. However, Silva doesn’t view culture as a static entity. “The Nigeria and Sri Lanka I grew up in are not the same as they were 50 years ago,” he says. His art is informed by these evolving cultural identities, but Silva strives to move beyond them, focusing instead on the universal connections that bind people together. By doing so, his work transcends the specificities of culture and speaks to shared human experiences.

 

‘This piece pays tribute to the Bohemians, whose simple yet rich lives inspired my journey into art.’

Sustainability and the Future of Nigerian Art

A strong advocate for sustainability, Silva has long explored how art can promote environmental, social, and economic well-being. Since 2012, he has worked to integrate sustainability into his creative practice, leading to exhibitions like the 2024 show on environmental sustainability hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja. His planned three-part series on sustainability—covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions—will serve as a culmination of his efforts to engage the public in meaningful conversations about the future. “Art is a powerful tool for public engagement,” Silva notes, “and I want to use it to leave the world better than I found it.

Silva also remains deeply invested in the future of Nigeria's vibrant art scene. "Nigerians are incredibly talented, especially in the creative industries," he says. His role, he feels, is to help connect emerging talent to global markets, fostering resilience and innovation. Having spent decades nurturing young artists and helping them make their practices financially viable, Silva now sees himself moving into more strategic and advisory roles.

 

‘This work is inspired by my childhood memories of the forests in Oyo’

Looking Forward: The Evolution of an Artist

As he looks toward the future, Silva's aspirations are centered around continued growth—both as an artist and as a creative entrepreneur. "I’ve spent years exploring the concept of sustainability," he says. "Now, I want to expand that exploration into broader questions of life, love, and purpose." By sharing his work with a wider audience and listening to their reactions, Silva hopes to evolve as an artist while deepening his understanding of these fundamental human themes.

For Silva, art is not a solitary endeavor but a shared experience that brings people together in conversation. “Art is best when it’s shared,” he believes, and his hope is that his work will continue to inspire dialogue and reflection.

Imal Silva’s art challenges us to think about life, love, and sustainability in new ways. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Instagram and Facebook (@unx-art). Let’s explore how art can shape a better future, together.