Leo Art an initiative designed to encourage local artists and creativity in the Fine Arts was launched this week by advertising giant Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. (LBSI), as part of its ninth anniversary celebrations. Featuring paintings and sculptures by a talented group of young undergraduates from the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Leo Art is an ongoing programme which will feature the work of young artists from around the country.

Held at the LBSI premises, this venture will provide the artists with a space in which to express their creative ideas in painting and sculpting. The Leo Art artist - in - residence programme gives upcoming local artists the opportunity to display their pieces of work, as well as an area to work in. Here, artists will also be able to collaborate with agency teams on commercial projects and be seen and appreciated by a wider audience.

Each season, new talent and new works of art will be featured at this location, thereby providing these individuals with a number of exciting opportunities. In its first season, this initiative will showcase the paintings of Sanjaya Senavirathna, Pramith Geekiyanage & J. C. Rathnayake, and the sculptures of Sathyajith Ranganatha.

Hailing from Kadugannawa, artist Sanjaya Senavirathna is inspired by love - an emotion clearly reflected in his abstract work. His paintings feature vibrant shades and hues with intermingling strokes - depicting his view on the true essence of this emotion. His work has been appreciated by audiences around the country, and has also been featured at a number of solo and group exhibitions.

For Prarnith Geekiyanage - an award winner at the Young Contemporaries Visual Art Exhibition - inspiration is derived from the human body. A native of Chilaw, this young artist specialises in Design at the University of Visual and Performing Arts. Each painting displays this artist's commitment to depicting the most minute details of the human body.

In his work, Artist J.C. Rathnayake's from Polonnaruwa, aims to depict the wonders of the universe in abstract form. Inspired by the stillness of the dark, his paintings feature moonlight as a contrast to the darker hues of the night, and these pieces have been highlighted at a number of group exhibitions at galleries across Colombo

Sathyajith Ranganatha - hailing from Maskeliya - has always been intrigued by the art of sculpture. This young sculptor has obtained awards from the State Art Festival and the University of Performing and Visual Art. His work has been featured at a number of locations around Colombo - including a 6ft Buddha Statue in Rantambe.

Leo Art will provide a space for the young artists to express their creative ideas in painting and sculpting, as well as collaborate with agency teams on commercial projects and be seen and appreciated by a wider audience.