George Percival Sproule Keyt, born on April 17, 1901, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is often celebrated as Sri Lanka's most distinguished modern painter. His work, deeply influenced by cubism, also draws from his contemporary Henri Matisse and the ancient Buddhist art and sculpture of Sanchi and Gandhara. Keyt's art is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, seamlessly integrating traditional Sri Lankan aesthetics with modern artistic techniques. His paintings are known for their vibrant colors, expressive style, and narrative depth, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern art in Sri Lanka. Keyt's early life was marked by a profound engagement with literature and art. Educated at Trinity College in Kandy, a prestigious colonial school, he was born into an Anglo-Dutch Burgher family. Despite his Westernized upbringing, Keyt developed a deep affinity for the local culture and Buddhism, which would significantly influence his artistic and personal life. His early exposure to Buddhist philosophy and art, particularly through his interactions with the Buddhist monk and scholar, the venerable Pinnawela Dhirananda, played a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision. In his twenties, Keyt embraced Buddhism and began to explore the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan and Indian mythology, literature, and art. This exploration was not just an artistic endeavor but also a personal journey that saw him rejecting the Westernized milieu of his class in favor of a life deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of his homeland. His travels to India and interactions with prominent cultural figures, including the novelist Mulk Raj Anand and the painter MF Husain, further enriched his understanding and appreciation of the broader South Asian artistic landscape. Keyt's artistic career began in the 1920s, with his early work strongly influenced by Buddhist and Hindu iconography. His paintings from this period are characterized by close observations of nature and a keen interest in the spiritual and mythological themes of Buddhism and Hinduism. By the 1930s, Keyt had started to incorporate cubist experiments into his work, applying them in a manner distinctly his own. His subjects, often depicted with enlarged, almond-shaped eyes and bold, crisp lines, ranged from nudes and scenes from local village life to narratives drawn from Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. A founding member of the '43 Group in Sri Lanka, Keyt played a significant role in promoting modern art in the country. The group, named after its founding year, supported young painters and sought to foster a vibrant artistic community. Lionel Wendt, a key figure in this movement, was instrumental in encouraging Keyt to devote himself entirely to painting. This period marked a significant phase in Keyt's career, as he experimented with and refined his unique style, blending traditional elements with modernist techniques. One of Keyt's most significant contributions to the art world is his work on the murals of the Gotami Vihara in Borella, which depict the life of the Buddha. These murals, characterized by their unique style and spiritual depth, are a testament to Keyt's mastery of blending traditional Sri Lankan and Indian artistic traditions with modernist sensibilities. His approach to these murals, which involved no preliminary sketches and a spontaneous application of color to his line drawings, reflects his innovative spirit and deep connection to his cultural heritage. Throughout his career, Keyt's work was exhibited widely, both in Sri Lanka and internationally, earning him a place among the most important Asian artists of his time. His paintings, which continue to be celebrated for their rich colors, expressive forms, and deep philosophical and cultural resonance, have found their way into major museums, galleries, and private collections around the world. George Keyt's legacy extends beyond his paintings; as a poet and translator, he contributed significantly to the literary world, further cementing his status as a multifaceted genius of modern art. He passed away on July 31, 1993, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences across generations.

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