Kala pola to showcase local talent

For Channa Ekanayaka, a teacher and writer by day - art was for a long time, only a past-time.

Participating in his first ‘Kala Pola’ close to seven years ago, not only did he get his first real break, he also had to give up both teaching and writing to become a professional artist.

Now with his own studio in Ethul Kotte, his home town, Channa draws for a living. When asked how he survives with the current high cost of living affecting people’s purchases of even everyday goods, Channa replies that art is highly personal and that if an art work ‘connects’ with somebody, price wouldn’t matter. He very practically adds that the prices of his paintings are very reasonable. He emphasizes on the role the George Keyt Foundation’s ‘Kala Pola’ played in his life, “As an artist, my foundation was laid in the Kala Pola.”

The Kala Pola was founded by the George Keyt Foundation to celebrate the artist’s work in the Sri Lankan art sphere, according to Cedric de Silva, President George Keyt Foundation speaking at a media briefing recently held by long-time Kala Pola sponsors John Keells Holdings.

Growing from 35 artists at its inception, 350 artists participated in the last Kala Pola in 2006. Representing the artists’ community, Channa Ekanayaka described the Kala Pola as “The most dramatic incident nation-wide in the art field”. According to him, within the one day that the fair is held, some artists have garnered incomes over Rs 100,000.

He said the main challenge faced by the artists was to provide quality art for the consumers. Quality-wise the first hurdle is using good materials, ones that will stand the test of time. The less pragmatic side of ‘good’ artwork would be the message conveyed. “The art has to be a reflection of the artist’s viewpoint on some aspect in society or the world. It has to come from within the artist,” said Channa adding that some artists always catered to the demand for art pieces that blend in with paint shades and furniture.

Sumithra Gunesekera, Director John Keells Holdings stressed on the financial push the event gives the artist. He figures it to be the best platform that artists can use to launch their careers successfully.

The event is expected to draw a crowd of 5,000 art lovers and collectors and will feature artists from all around the island. Whilst it is usually held on Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, opposite the Art Gallery, due to security reasons it will be held this year at the Viharamaha Devi Park on January 20.

According to Gunesekera however, most art lovers step in earlier in the morning and secure the more outstanding paintings. The open-air art fair will be patronised by over 300 artists this year.