COLLECTOR PROFILE | JOHN BALMOND

 

 

 

 

 

Architect and Designer John Balmond’s carefully curated collection of Sri Lankan art compliments the atmosphere of his eclectic home in a delicate but striking way.

 Bright and active pieces by Priyantha Udagedara, Ruwan Prasanna and Jagath Ravindra simultaneously blend into the soft tones and textures of his apartment while making loud statements as the key features of a space.
 

 
 Gayan Prageeth

 

 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

 
Half Sri Lankan, half British. Managing Director of Balmond Studio Sri Lanka, which is an international research-led practise of architects, designers and artists.
 
 

DESCRIBE YOUR ART COLLECTION IN THREE WORDS.

 
Sri Lankan, Modern, Abstract 

 
 

 Jagath Ravindra: Time, Mind & Space 7

Ruwan Prasanna: Aluyama 

 

 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST WORK OF ART THAT YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH?

 
The Freedom sculpture in Los Angeles — the sculpture takes its inspiration from the Cyrus Cylinder, a 6th century artefact containing the earliest declaration on human rights. Tolerance and freedom resonate through the symbolic piece.
 
 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST SENTIMENTAL/MEANINGFUL PIECES IN YOUR

COLLECTION? 

 
Hand sketches of my father’s design for the Serpentine pavilions in London.

 

JC Rathnayake:  Repetition
Jagath Ravindra: Untitled & Kingsley Gunatillake: Untitled 

 

 

IS THERE A PARTICULAR TYPE OF ART THAT YOU COLLECT?

 
Modern Sri Lankan abstract paintings, sketches, and sculptures. 
 

DO YOU CHOOSE PIECES FOR INVESTMENT AND WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR, IN A PORTFOLIO OF AN ARTIST IF YOU DO?

 
No, I only purchase art I enjoy looking at. 

 
 

 Ruwan Prasanna: Aluyama 
 

 

YOU HAVE STRONG STATEMENT PIECES THAT COMPLIMENT THE DESIGN OF YOUR HOME — DO YOU HAVE AN ARTIST OR ARTWORK IN MIND WHEN DESIGNING A SPACE?

 
I live in an old apartment in Colombo, I stripped away the paint to find generations of faded paint colours of greens and yellows. I chose pieces from Jagath Ravindra and Priyantha whose abstract paint strokes and composition complemented the feature wall. 
 
First I understand the space, then the colours that work within the environment, followed then by an artist who will complement the space.
 

FAVOURITE MUSEUM OR CREATIVE SPACE FOR INSPIRATION?

 
NYC Guggenheim Museum and my music room. 
 

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLECT

 
I’m an open book
 

 
 
 

All images by Tavish Gunasena