COLLECTOR PROFILE | INDIRA KITHSIRI

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I was born in the Swiss Alps to a Swiss mother and a Sri Lankan father, spending my life moving between these two countries and nurturing a profound bond with Sri Lanka, which I proudly call home. I graduated from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, where my passion for social entrepreneurship took root. Over the years, I initiated several impactful projects in Sri Lanka, starting with efforts after the Tsunami, and authored my first book, I Am Inspired, showcasing the stories of Sri Lankans who are catalysts for positive change. My journey then led me to the World Economic Forum, where I managed strategic relations with South Asian governments. Today, I am an entrepreneur focused on real estate development in Verbier, Switzerland combining my experiences to bridge both worlds. I now divide my time between Switzerland and Sri Lanka, where I am currently working on a storybook project.

Indira Kithsiri

Photo Credits: Studio Seya

WHY DO YOU COLLECT ART? WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST? 

I collect art because it lets me connect with emotions and stories in a way nothing else can. Art captures the essence of a moment, and by collecting, I bring those pieces into my life, surrounding myself with windows into other worlds. The first time a painting truly moved me, I felt a shift. It wasn’t just about its beauty, but how deeply it resonated, like it reflected part of my own experience. That moment sparked my passion for collecting, to explore and express different layers of who I am. Each piece I acquire marks a chapter in my journey, allowing me to evolve and stay connected to the richness and complexity of life.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE OF ART YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH, AND WHY?

In 2015, I purchased a painting by Priyantha Udagedara and brought it from Sri Lanka to Switzerland. This piece was a revelation, stirring something profound within me with its blend of harshness and underlying hope. It set the tone for my future art acquisitions; works that are often dark, yet brimming with intense emotion and distinct interpretation. It was then that I understood my collection would center around contemporary pieces rich in meaning and emotion.

Most of the works in your collection exhibit an appreciation for works with minimal use of colours, particularly black and white. What drew you to this style? 

I’m drawn to art that evokes powerful emotions. I don't gravitate towards black-and-white pieces; rather, I am captivated by the emotional depth and bold messages they convey. These works often reflect the time and context of their creation, filled with contrast and intensity. For me, it's not just about the art, but the stories behind it and the artists who bring them to life.

Left: Fabienne Francotte,This Did (Not) Happen 9 (2021) 

Centre: Firi Rahman, Across the sea (2024) 

Right: Firi Rahman, Enclosure VII (2023) and artworks by Malki Jayakody, Arulraj Ulaganathan, Prageeth Rathnayake, R.M Naeem and Basil Cooray

Interior view of Indira's home in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Photo Credits: Studio Seya

Is there an ethos or philosophy to your collection? Are there any particular themes that you are drawn to?

I’m especially drawn to art that explores resilience, cultural heritage, and transformation. Sri Lanka’s contemporary artists tell the story of a country marked by conflict and challenges, yet finding beauty and strength in its people and traditions. The themes I gravitate toward often focus on identity, displacement, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Many Sri Lankan artists express these ideas through bold, sometimes dark, visuals that resonate with me, capturing both the turbulence of the past and the hope of a vibrant new generation.

Artwork by Bilaal Raji Saeed

Interior view of Indira's home in Colombo, Sri Lanka

         Photo Credits: Studio Seya

You have homes both in Sri Lanka and Switzerland that house your collection. Does the space factor in when you collect and can you describe the way your collection fits into the spaces they inhabit?

I always buy art that resonates deeply with me. My purchases are largely instinctive, and I later find the spaces that truly reflect the essence of each piece.

Could you share three artists in the Sri Lankan creative space who are inspiring you right now.

I am inspired by Arjuna Gunarathne’s vibrant, colorful works. His skilful blend of bold colours and dynamic forms creates a sense of energy and optimism that brings me joy.  Then, of course, there is Fabienne Francotte, whose work I not only admire for its artistic depth but also for her commitment to causes beyond the canvas. Her work embodies raw emotion and human fragility. Mahen Perera on the other hands captivates me with his exploration of materials and texture. Using found objects and unconventional materials, he turns everyday items into stories of memory, decay, and resilience, creating introspective and visually striking pieces. 

Left: Fabienne Francotte, I Love You (2021) Centre: Arjuna Gunarathne, Outsider (2023) Right:  Mahen Perera,Untitled II (2023)

How do you go about finding new pieces to expand your collection?

I visit galleries, attend art exhibitions when I travel, and follow artists on Instagram to stay connected with the evolving art scene. I’m also in regular contact with fellow art collectors, where we exchange ideas and share discoveries of new works.

What are some of the most sentimental or meaningful pieces in your collection?

Probably, the painting of Fabienne Francotte "It Did (Not) Happen" which graces my dining area, with its raw emotion and storytelling. Her portraits, blending realistic facial impressions with expressive brushwork, transcend language. The eyes, full of emotion, tell stories that words simply can’t capture.

The second piece intitled “Thinking of” by R.M. Naeem, a visual artist from Pakistan.I decided to acquire this painting because it speaks to me on a deeply emotional level. The layered symbolism of the woman’s body, the woven patterns of the carpet, and the wall as a metaphor for resilience beautifully capture the complexity of womanhood, identity, and heritage. It’s a powerful narrative that resonates with my own values, reminding me of the strength, beauty, and depth found in the quiet yet profound experiences of life.

 Left: Fabienne Francotte, This Did (Not) Happen 9  (2021) Right: RM Naeem, Thinking of  (2023)

Where and when do you feel the most creative or inspired? 

I feel the most creative and inspired when I’m surrounded by art and immersed in spaces that reflect thoughtful design. Whether I’m visiting galleries, exploring art fairs, or simply curating pieces in my own collection, the intersection of art and interior design sparks my creativity. It’s not just about filling a room with beautiful objects; it’s about telling a story through design and art, allowing each piece to interact with the space in a meaningful way. I also find inspiration in quiet moments, like walking through nature or reflecting on my travels. Often, these experiences influence both my art collection and interior design choices, as I seek to bring elements of the outside world into my personal spaces. 

How has your collection evolved over time? 

I bought my first painting in 2015 at Saskia Fernando Gallery, nearly 10 years ago now. That painting marked not just the beginning of my art collection, but also a connection to my roots and a pivotal moment in my life.

What have you learned about yourself through the process of collecting art? Has it been an enriching experience?

Collecting art has taught me to trust my instincts and connect with my inner self in a different way. My choices aren’t about aesthetics or investment, they’re driven by a gut feeling that pulls me in. It’s the stories behind the art, not just the visuals, that resonate with me, whether bold and chaotic or quiet and introspective. Art has also sparked my curiosity, challenging me to explore new emotions and perspectives. Each piece reflects a part of who I am at that moment what I’m drawn to or what I’m grappling with. Collecting has been enriching because it evolves with me, continually reshaping my sense of self.

Artworks by Chamila Gamage, Prageeth Manohansa, Kasun Geethendra and Arulraj Ulaganathan

Interior view of Indira's home in Colombo, Sri Lanka

What’s the most recent item you’ve acquired, and why was it significant to you?

This piece by Arulraj Ulaganathan is from the Pullakambura Series, featuring recurring motifs such as the woven baskets carried by tea pluckers, from which infants emerge, surrounded by tea plant flowers. The infant imagery reflects Arulraj’s own childhood in the hills of Haputale, where the woven basket symbolizes the safety and comfort of his mother, a tea plantation worker. He would wait for her at the local daycare, or pullakambura, a place he remembers as lonely and filled with misery; a stark contrast to the nurturing image of the basket.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own collection?

Before you start collecting, connect with your emotions. Ask yourself: What moves me? Art isn't just about aesthetics or trends, it's about forming an emotional bond with a piece that speaks to your soul. Focus on how each artwork makes you feel. Art is very personal, and your collection should reflect your journey. Choose works that tell your story. Over time, it becomes more than just objects, it’s an expression of who you are and what you value.