Shefen Cooray

Contemporary Artist

Sri Lanka

Shefen Cooray is a contemporary artist from Beruwala, Sri Lanka. He studied at Holy Cross College, where his passion for art began to develop at a young age. Over the years, he has dedicated himself to refining his artistic voice, building a style that blends emotional depth with a strong connection to reality.

He has been recognized for his talent at the national and provincial levels. In 2022, he won 2nd place at the All Island Art Competition, and in 2019, he secured 3rd place at the All Island Art Competition. In the same year, he was also honored with a Merit Award at the Western Province Art Competition “Soba Sithru.” These achievements reflect both his technical skill and his creative vision.

Shefen primarily works with acrylic, appreciating its versatility and expressive strength. In addition to acrylic, he also explores oil painting and charcoal, allowing him to experiment with texture, depth, and tonal contrast. Beyond canvas, he is also engaged in wood burning creations, expanding his artistic expression into detailed handcrafted works.

His style allows him to express inner impulses and emotions while maintaining a clear and recognizable connection to reality. Rather than limiting himself to a single subject, he explores a wide range of themes including landscapes, animals, cultural subjects, and modern concepts. Through this diversity, he continues to evolve as an artist, constantly seeking new ways to communicate feeling, identity, and environment through his work.

Paintings by Shefen Cooray