Brush strokes of a scientist of art, Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe

Chef DK with his family and Chief Guest Aitken Spence Director and Head of Tourism and Leisure, Aitken Spence Hotels Management Chairman and Aitken Spence Aviation Director Stasshani Jayawardena

Chef Pubilis speaking at the event

Chief Guest Aitken Spence Director and Head of Tourism and Leisure, Aitken Spence Hotels Management Chairman and Aitken Spence Aviation Director Stasshani Jayawardena marking the opening of the gallery

Canvases of brilliant colour, masterful strokes and thought-provoking design meet the eye as you walk into the house of art carefully curated by the artist himself, Dimuthu Kumarasinghe.

Well-known in the hospitality industry as a chef par excellence, given the Culinary World Cup wins and the multitude of awards reserved under his name, Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe (fondly known as DK) made his maiden voyage in to the world of art, away from the kitchen table and on to a canvas, last Saturday 27 October with the opening of ‘The Art Gallery by Chef Dimuthu’. 

The gallery was officially opened by Aitken Spence Director and Head of Tourism and Leisure, Aitken Spence Hotels Management Chairman and Aitken Spence Aviation Director Stasshani Jayawardena.

Located in Nalluruwa, Panadura, the gallery boasts a diverse range of art, from those on canvas, to creative moulding of wire and steel, and to intricate wooden art. Each of his creations are unique and are thought-provoking with subtle undertones of serenity that give viewers a feeling of instant warmth and peace. 

A self-taught painter (as he is a culinary whiz), Chef Dimuthu’s inaugural collection features an array of art that he has accumulated over time. Having considered this a hobby, his paintings lie in the homes of many around the globe – either gifted by him, or picked from his home while visiting him. The interest and enthusiasm for his creations is what propelled Chef Dimuthu to finally open his own space, where one can embrace the colours and pick their favourites for purchase.

Among Chef Dimuthu’s illustrious career – which has brought him to his current position as General Manager – Group Skill Development Chef and Culinary Brand Ambassador at Aitken Spence Hotels – is his multiple wins at Culinary World Cup and receiving the acclamation as the only participant to receive nine gold medals at individual categories at Culinary World Cup within two years. 

He also holds the title for creating the world’s most expensive edible cake (supported by Aitken Spence Hotels) and the world record for creating the world’s smallest wedding cake in 2015. These deem hi, worthy of the title ‘scientist of art,’ given his prowess in the fields of innovative creation and mesmerising design, no matter the medium he works with.

He is a presidential award winner and has been President of the Chefs Guild of Lanka since 2012. He has also been appointed as a jury member in numerous international culinary competitions and has received honorary life membership in over seven culinary associations in the world. 

A humble human being, Chef Dimuthu has been keen to disseminate the knowledge he has acquired through the years and mentor many aspiring chefs both here and abroad. 

The opening saw the presence of veterans in the culinary field, including Gerard Mendis and Chef Pubilis, the management team of Aitken Spence Hotel, well-wishers and family.

The art gallery is open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details on his art, contact Chef Dimuthu on 0770811268 or [email protected].