Funday Times

Young artists
By Esther Williams
“I spent a lifetime trying to paint like a child,” the great 20th century artist Picasso had once said. Looking at the work of the students of Noeline Fernando at an exhibition held at the Art Gallery between 16th and 19th September 2004, it was easy to understand why. The essence they had captured was the world, looked at through innocent eyes.

The theme initially set for the exhibition was ‘flying.’ In keeping with this, there were many birds, helicopters, dragon flies, fairies, paddling turtles, made as three dimensional objects out of paper, clay, bottles, milk cartons and other throw away stuff that made attractive craft pieces.

Not wanting to restrict them Aunty Noeline later gave them free reign, allowing them to portray whatever took their fancy. Hence there were some beautiful splashes of colour while others were collages and paintings that had a relief effect. Amantha Wijesekera (7) had made Dinosaurs out of paper, filled with wadding and built up with sand, old leaves and twigs.

The mobile hung in the centre was a collective item made up of attractive decorated shapes strung at different lengths. Pictures made of paper tears had an attractive mosaic effect drawing people to them, as also the masks and giraffes.

A firm believer of throwaway stuff, Noeline had encouraged students to use things like old bank slips and egg cartons in their craft to make giraffes, lions and other craft items. The Thursday group had made a giant spider, that stood out dramatically, using Popsicle sticks and coconut husk.

Other outstanding pictures that need mention are: Shari Amarasurya’s picture of wasps made of recycled paper, rose petals and ink. Kavindya Alahakoon’s portrayal of people using cloth and paints, Hiran Jayawardena’s large picture of fairyland and others made by students from the Chitra Lane School for special children.

Aunty Noeline has inspired many young children to express themselves beautifully. By encouraging them she has brought about a celebration that takes place in paintings, even among children who will not take on artistic careers.

It had taken 103 children a year to prepare for this exhibition. A number of them were having their paintings displayed for the first time. It was with pride that the young artists dragged their parents to their pictures. As for Noeline, “Seeing their work has given me great joy,” she says.

Back to Mirror Magazine