COLLECTOR PROFILE | ROSHUN MEEZAN

 


Stepping into a-designstudio’s light filled studio space is an experience. Islands of bright green plants fill the space, standing in stark contrast to the cool, industrial design of the building: dominated by black beams and glass. Roshun Meezan adds colour to his space via a carefully curated collection of vibrant paintings. The space integrates work, garden and innovation. A visionary architect, Roshun Meezan seeks imaginativeness in the artworks he selects for his spaces. We sat down with him to discuss how he negotiates the relationship between art and the architectural spaces he designs, his most sentimental purchases, and his advice for young collectors. 

 

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COLLECTION IN 3 WORDS?
Contemporary, Abstract, Minimalistic 

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN ART?

My father was a collector who exposed me to art and creativity at a very young age. However, I too “dabbled” in mixed mediums purely as a hobby during my primary school days. Subconsciously I believe, I was always intrigued by the fine balance between the free flowing expression and the complexity of understanding the thinking behind every brush stroke created by artists.

Hashan Cooray, Underwater, 2017, Acrylic on Canvas,152 x 152 cm  

 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST ARTWORK YOU PURCHASED?

A 2017 Hashan Cooray work titled ‘Underwater.’ 


DO YOU COLLECT OTHER MEDIUMS IN ADDITION TO PAINTINGS? 

Yes, I am an avid collector of vintage and classic Watches.


DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL SET OF RULES FOR PURCHASING AN ARTWORK? YOU MENTIONED DISLIKING COMMISSIONS.

I do prefer artwork on large canvases, however I mostly follow my instincts/ first impressions when purchasing art. I like to believe that the pieces I have are a reflection on the diversity of abstract art  - from the content it expresses, to the emotions it evokes and how personalised it is to each viewer. 

  

 Anup Vega, Sunsprit, 2018, Acrylic on Canvas, 120cm x 60cm x (3) 

 

 

Anup Vega, Sunspirit, 2018, Acrylic on Canvas, 120cm x 60cm x (3) 

 

 

WHAT DRAWS YOU TO ABSTRACT ART?

What draws me to this style of art is its individuality and uniqueness shown through each piece. Similar to architectural styles, abstract art is subjective. I like the dualistic characters and mediums that are expressed through abstract art. Some may think abstract art is chaotic and random, but what I see are the ease of movements and simplicity brought to the canvas.


HOW DO YOU NEGOTIATE THE DYNAMIC BETWEEN ARCHITECTURAL SPACES - AN ARTWORK UNTO THEMSELVES - AND ART OBJECTS? 

Architectural spaces and designs are extremely subjective, so is art in any form. It is purely at the viewer’s discretion. Art and architecture are both forms of self-expression, and have deep connections that unite through design, and the creative thought process etc.I believe Architects, painters, sculptors, writers should collaborate and exchange ideas by creating and designing in complete harmony leading to one cohesive body.

 

 

Ruwan Prasanna, Aluyama XX, 2021, Acrylic on Canvas, 244 x 122 cm (x2)



WOULD YOU CITE ART - EITHER TRADITIONAL, MODERN, OR CONTEMPORARY - AS AN INSPIRATION IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE?

I personally believe art is an amalgamation of all the above, it has evolved through tradition, exhibited through modern means and mediums, and has radically captured the contemporary movements through expression. Art has greatly inspired me professionally. The essence of architecture lies in its creativity in solving design problems.


DOES THE WORK YOU COLLECT RELATE IN ANY WAY TO THE WORK YOU DESIGN YOURSELF?

Yes I believe, it does in most ways. I can relate to abstract art more from a designer’s point of view, as it does cover a broad spectrum of expressions, and styles and it is open for interpretation. Similarly, I like to think of myself as a non-stylised designer where I believe the context guides me to the design form. I strive to keep my designs practical yet push the boundaries of design aesthetic suited for the context.

 

Ruwan Prasanna, Aluyama XX, 2021, Acrylic on Canvas, 244 x 122 cm (x2)



WHAT IS THE MOST SENTIMENTAL WORK YOU OWN?

Most pieces I own are quite sentimental to me for various reasons. Hashan Cooray’s 2017 Underwater for example - certainly represents to me the surroundings I would like to build for myself, whilst Ruwan Prassana’s Komorebi XIX encapsulates my identity. The surreal interpretation of the conceptual form of the Lotus Sutra expressed through Nuwan Nalaka’s Sutracollection (Sutra XXI, 2018) to date remains quite an indelible piece to me. Its multitude of intricately detailed elements is remarkably captivating, and I am profoundly honoured to have acquired a piece from this collection.

 

Ruwan Prasanna,Komorebi XIX, 2018, Acrylic on Canvas,153cm x 122cm 

 


WHO IS AN EMERGING ARTIST THAT YOU REALLY ADMIRE THE WORK OF?

Kavan Balasuriya. I am quite intrigued by his mixed medium pieces of foil and graphite.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FIRST-TIME COLLECTOR?

Go with your instincts, you could never go wrong.