Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is set to host Shadows of a Pre-Renaissance Era, an exhibition by Master Potter Ajith Mohan Perera. This event highlights the cultural and artistic significance of pottery as both a craft and a reflection on society. The exhibition showcases works that delve into themes of restraint, ethical labor, and the connection between material, process, and human experience.
Ajith Mohan Perera, a seasoned potter with decades of experience, views pottery as more than just a functional or decorative art form. “Pottery is not just about making objects,” he explains. “It’s the process of understanding the world, reflecting our labor, responsibilities, and the choices we make as a society.” Shadows of a Pre-Renaissance Era focuses on the moments before renewal, encouraging viewers to reflect on balance, humility, and collective responsibility.
“Art is not just something we display; it’s something we live with. Cinnamon Life, home to over 1,000 commissioned artworks and a platform for hundreds of Sri Lankan artists, continues to foster creativity across its spaces. Every guest interacts with it, and it tells the story of Sri Lanka in a way that is immersive, authentic, and deeply human,” says Kamal Munasinghe, General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams and Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels. “Through exhibitions like this, visitors are invited to engage with Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage in a contemporary setting, experiencing the depth, process, and societal relevance of pottery in a thoughtfully designed environment.”
The exhibition emphasizes the broader role of craft in contemporary culture. Through careful attention to material, repetition, and process, Ajith Mohan Perera demonstrates how pottery can engage with heritage, labor, and societal change. Visitors are encouraged to observe, reflect, and consider how these lessons extend beyond the studio.
Shadows of a Pre-Renaissance Era will be on display at Cinnamon Life from February 2nd to 3rd, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Cumulus Ballroom. This exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s pottery tradition in a meaningful and contemporary context.
