BIO

Bhanuka Rathnayaka, born in 1994 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a Melbourne-based artist whose work engages deeply with his experiences as an immigrant and a medical professional. His practice encompasses a range of media, focusing on painting . Rathnayaka is best known for his poignant depictions of identity, memory, and the nuances of cultural transition in a style akin to the animations of the 90’s.

Through his art, Rathnayaka seeks to express the contemplations of his personal journey, both at an individual and societal level

. His notable projects include “Cream Soda Dreams,” exhibited at the Olly Art Gallery in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2017, and his recent participation in a residency at the Berlin Art Institute in 2024, which further enriched his oeuvre.

Rathnayaka has received recognition for his contributions to both art and medicine, including the "Anaesthesia Wellbeing Award Design" for Auckland City Hospital in 2025. His published works encompass the children’s book “Doctor Penguin; George’s Sore Eye” (2023) and “Anatomy of the Neck” in the New Zealand Medical School Journal (2020).

CV

Born 1994 in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Resides and works in Melbourne, Australia

Exhibition History

2017 -’Cream Soda Dreams’ , Olly Art Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

Artist Residencies

2024 - Berlin Art Institute General Residency, Berlin, Germany

Artist Awards

2018 - Artist of the Month, Neck of the Woods, Auckland, New Zealand

Published Works

2025- British Journal of Anaesthesia, March - Cover Illustrator

2025 - Anaesthesia Wellbeing Award Design, Auckland City Hospital Department of Anaesthesia, Auckland, New Zealand

2023 - Alistair Lock, Barney Rathnayaka “Doctor Penguin ; George’s Sore Eye”

2020 - Barney Rathnayaka, “Anatomy of the Neck”, New Zealand Medical School Journal