Lionel Wendt (1900-1944) was an important figure in the development of modern and contemporary art in Sri Lanka. Being a photographer as well as a concert pianist, Wendt was stimulated by the cutting-edge culture in Europe. He began to produce experimental photographs which show influence from Surrealism and Constructivism since the early 1930s. He also helped in establishing the '43 Group' which was the first Sri Lankan modern art movement.

The present catalogue brings together about 60 photographs by Wendt, together with two essays on the life and work of Lionel Wendt. A chronology of Wendt's activities and exhibitions of his works can be found in the back.

This material was collected by the Sri Lanka Archive of Contemporary Art, Architecture & Design, and donated to Asia Art Archive as part of the programme ‘Mobile Library: Sri Lanka’ in 2013.