Plus

 

Platform for veterans and the new
By Aaysha Cader


Dalada Maligawa by Ifthikar Cader and (inset) Riverside Beauties by Iromie Wijewardena

"The inspiration for art is completely derived from emotions," says W. Nayanananda, a professional painter and sculptor whose many years of expertise are evident in his work. It is indeed a depiction of moods, feelings, ideas and emotions that one witnesses at Sculptors and Painters 2003, an exhibition of contemporary art in Sri Lanka.

This bi-annual event presented by the George Keyt Foundation features the work of a variety of artists, some, veterans in the field, others getting their "big break" to exhibit their work in a professional set-up in Colombo. It is nevertheless a classy exhibition of contemporary art.

From objective depictions of the Dalada Maligawa, to the portrayal of conflicting human emotions in Lost Audience, to thought-provoking ideas expressed in The End, the exhibition is diverse in character. Vibrant colours, pastel shades, line drawings of ink and oil or acrylic on canvas are some of the media utilized. An assortment of sculptures done in coral, wood, brass and clay, completes this remarkable presentation.

The George Keyt Foundation has been promoting art in the country since 1988. The chairperson of its Board of Trustees, Cedric de Silva said that the foundation works both to unearth new talent as well as provide a platform for the exhibition of the work of professionals in the field.

Rasitha Sanjeewa, a young artist from Ambalangoda said this was his third time at the Sculptors and Painters Exhibition. Revealing the theme behind his painting titled The End, he said it was an interpretation of how the culture of art had made a gradual transition in Sri Lanka. The George Keyt Foundation projects had been a springboard for him to rise into the professional arena, he said.

Anjana Wijeratne, another young artist from Beruwela, said that the inspiration to paint came from his family, as his father was an artist. Two of his paintings are up for exhibition, and he said that he does a little bit of sculpture as well.

"Art is a total commitment," says Iromie Wijewardena, who has been a professional painter for the past 25 years and has always had a passion for art. Having organized exhibitions of her own paintings, she also acknowledged the contribution of the George Keyt Foundation towards enhancing the arts in Sri Lanka.

W. Nayananda, believes that art is a form of portraying what one feels within. " All my work is to do with emotions," he says. His works, in fact, justify his statement - "Embrace emit grief "- a coral sculpture of a man and woman in sorrowful embrace, is an excellent rendition of the conflicting emotions he experienced in prison.

For President's Counsel Nihal Jayamanne painting is an absorbing hobby. Having presented his work at a solo exhibition in 1996, he has also had his paintings displayed at the exhibition to mark the 50th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence. His speciality lies in human figures, as is depicted in his untitled painting on display at this exhibition.

Green Vase, one of his less complex works, striking in its simplicity is also on show. Mr. Jayamanne also acknowledged the contribution of the George Keyt Foundation and said that they ought to be congratulated for taking art to all parts of the country.

The exhibition sponsored by Paradise Road Galleries and which has been open to the public from July 22 at the Harold Peiris Gallery, Lionel Wendt Art Centre, ends today.


Celebrating French painter Gauguin
The Alliance Francaise de Kandy is commemorating the centenary of the death of the famous French painter, Paul Gauguin with The Gauguin Week, from July 25 to August 3. An exhibition titled "Paul Gauguin Tahiti or the Savage Dream"opened on July 25.
An art workshop conducted by Thilak Palliyaguruge, for selected art students from the Alliance and schools of Kandy - will be held today. Two films on Paul Gauguin will be screened on July 30 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The works produced in the workshops will be exhibited from August 1.


Gateway presents Blood Wedding
By Ishani Ranasinghe
They were the winners of the Inter-International School Drama Competition, their last production "Boyfriend" was a resounding success and this year Gateway students are all set to bring us "Blood Wedding".

Spain's Federico Garcia Lorca wrote "Blood Wedding" a tale of passion, betrayal and revenge, after being inspired by newspaper accounts of a young bride in Andalusia who abandoned her husband- to- be on their wedding day to run away with her childhood sweetheart.

With a cast of over 40, the students have been hard at practice since January only taking a break for their London A/L examinations. Director Sashi Mendis De Costa says the play is written in such a way that allows in music and dance. "We have weaved this in. I thought it would be poetic and that these elements will help to make it a complete production." This way more students are able to take part as well, she adds.

"Blood Wedding" is choreographed by Senaka de Silva and will go on the boards at the Bishop’s College auditorium on August 2 and 3. Tickets will be available at the Bishops College auditorium and Gateway International School.


Back to Top  Back to Plus  

Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Webmaster