Rustic beauty unveiled

‘Iromie Wijewardena Paintings’, a book compiled by Gamini Jayasinghe with text by D.B. Kappagoda was launched on December 11 amidst a large gathering of artists, art collectors and friends at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

Chief Guest Karu Jayasuriya M.P. who was welcomed on arrival with a sheaf of betel leaves spoke of Iromie’s achievements, adding that he had followed her work for a long time..

Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne of Sarvodaya and the artist too spoke at the presentation.

It was a touching moment when Iromie presented the first book to her mother ‘in gratitude’.

A few of Iromie’s paintings were displayed and the décor of white lotus flowers and leaves with Ragha music playing softly on traditional instruments, created an ethnic atmosphere.

Compere Arun Dias Bandaranaike explained that this book was due 10 years ago. Mr. Kappagoda had requested Iromie to compile a book ‘but she just put it off’ as she was not too keen. Finally after many requests and reminders she decided to bring out a book with some of her paintings.

The book has 136 of her paintings, oils, line drawings and mixed media spanning 40 years of her work. On the large screen, a few pages of the book were flipped to introduce the artist and her work.

Iromie started painting at a young age, concentrating mainly on landscapes. It was Ivor Baptiste, famous for his landscapes who first taught her the technique of oil painting on canvas. Later, she exhibited her paintings with the Baptiste group at their art exhibitions. At the first such exhibition all her paintings were sold which was a great encouragement. Under Nadine David, she started to paint with live models.

Reading for a Fine Arts degree, she studied under internationally recognized artists such as H.A. Karunaratne, Professor Albert Dharmasiri, Stanley Abeysinghe and Vernon Saldin. While at the University of Kelaniya, she won a scholarship to Wilson College, Pennsylvania, USA in 1978 to further her studies in art.

After four decades of painting, she has developed a style of her own and now is more bent on capturing village life. She has been inspired by the beauty of the village damsels and their simple lifestyle. The large expressive eyes and long flowing limbs are a distinctive feature in her paintings of these women.

Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha the main sponsor and publisher of the book should be congratulated for its fine work and high quality presentation. The painting on the dust-jacket has a special significance, depicting both a low country and up-country woman holding a piece of traditional Beeralu lace.