Lionel Wendt helps mould young sculptors and artists
The Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund has always been a pillar of strength for aspiring young artists, providing them a platform to showcase their talents. This time around, the Centre is hosting the exhibition ‘Art and Sculpture’ which brings together a collection of modern art and sculpture of six artists.
A set of paintings inspired by Austrian master Gustav Klimt, strikes the eye. Sajeewani Hewawitharana, has painted the female body in silhouette. “All my paintings have the feminist theme. It shows the world through my own eyes,” says Sajeewani.
We learn that the figurative expression of the female figure is something that she has been developing for the past few years, influenced by the works of Klimt and Egon Schiele. “My idea is to create complex thoughts out of a simple figure,” she adds. Sajeewani, like all the other artists who will have their work on display, found it hard to showcase her talent, faced with financial shortcomings, but it was an exhibition at the Lionel Wendt two years ago that brought her to the limelight. Sajeewani had the rare opportunity of taking part in the International Artist Residency Programme in France, and believes that the work that she will be presenting for ‘Art and Sculpture’ will have a tinge of the European themes that she studied during her stay.
Also on display is a set of abstract paintings depicting the fusion of colours. The technique used is quite innovative, with the amalgamation of two mediums that do not mix. “I have used oil-based as well as water-based mediums and practically given them the freedom to express themselves,” says Chammika Jayawardana. “The accident is the action here.”
Chammika has been studying art at the Vibhavi Academy for four years and has a liking for abstract texturing. Veiled through the abstract strokes is a theme that shows how two unlikely parties can come together.
Dinusha Upasena, from the Faculty of Visual Arts as well as the Vibhavi Academy, takes as his theme the co-existence of man and nature. “There is no escape from nature. Mankind may have lost its initial purpose and delved into other avenues in search of ultimate evolution, but he cannot escape the wrath of nature,” he states. Dinusha’s paintings depict human figures and their interactions with the surroundings. Shades of brown and green predominate. “It is a meditation that is not limited to any religion,” he tells us, “If people can understand that we cannot cut the umbilical cord between humans and nature, then my purpose is fulfilled.”
Other artists presenting their work at the exhibition will be Anusha Gajaweera, Chandana Gunathilaka and Kumarathunga Pradeep .
“This exhibition is another project aimed at bringing out the best of Sri Lanka’s hidden talent, and giving them a helping hand,” said a spokesperson for the Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund.
The exhibition now on, will be open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m, until November 20.
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