Beauty and hope at “Imagine” art exhibition
The National Art Gallery plays host to many art exhibitions. However one of the most recent was indeed an exhibition of what art represents; beauty and hope. The students of Lakisha Fernando decked the halls with colour from November 14 to 16 and the singular white room was transformed into a magical world where trees were in blossom, multi coloured elephants roamed in country landscapes and jolly tractors ambled past puffing out clouds of white smoke.
Lakisha Fernando
The specialty of these paintings was not just that they were done by children with special needs. Their uniqueness lies in their dream-like quality. The works conveyed something of the innocence and happiness which these young artists experience.
The art exhibition titled “Imagine” is a part of the “Dreams Landscape” art series initiated by Lakisha Fernando in 2008. Lakisha who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kelaniya University and an academic qualification in Psychology from the Mental Health Foundation, combined her interest in art with providing art therapy for differently abled children, when she founded the “Savi Art Academy” in 2013.
Among the paintings on display at the gallery, were the creations of Lakisha’s students, collaborative works of both the teacher and the pupils as well as her own pieces. The mediums used by the painters were Acrylic on paper and canvas, Pen and Acrylic on paper, Woodcuts and Woodcut printing.
The chief guest for the occasion, the First Lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, opened the exhibition for public viewing on November 14. The highlight of the second day was the visit of Kala Keerthi Sybil Wettasinghe, who conducted an interactive art programme with the child viewers.
The Savi Academy team organised this art exhibition with several aims. One was to raise funds for the academy through the sale of the paintings.
This art exhibition is also the young artists’ introduction to the world of professional painting. While serving as a platform for showcasing their talents, the event was a small achievement in Lakisha’s big dream to make all of her students self-sufficient artists.
“I believe that my students have a special talent that you cannot find in most children. They see the world from a unique angle which makes them true artists. My job is to just guide them and help improve their natural talents.”
When asked about the message she is trying to convey through this exhibition, Lakisha said, “In Sri Lanka, children with special needs don’t have a secure environment. They are cast aside and treated with contempt. For example, when they complete schooling at 16 years of age these children become unemployed. If they are not given the attention they deserve, they become frustrated and bitter. I want to tell society that children with certain disabilities are no different from you or me. They are honest, passionate and loving human beings. It is an absolute joy to teach them. Respect them and accept them for who they are because in a world of hybridisation, these children are the keepers of childhood.”
Thilina Prema Fernando who is 21 years of age and suffers from intellectual impairment, is one of Lakisha’s pupils. He said “Art and music are my favourite subjects. When I grow up I want to go forward in these two fields.” Thilina’s trademark drawings are colourful, semi-circular elephants. His parents Hemasiri and Malini Fernando said that Thilina has had a knack for painting ever since he was four years old. “The sessions with Ms. Lakisha have helped my son to not only develop his artistic abilities. It has a soothing effect on his personality,” added Mr. Fernando.Thilina’s good friend Nipuna Fernando who has Down syndrome had this message for the public. “Please support us by buying our paintings.” His goal in life is to join the police service so that he can fight crime and drug abuse.
“Imagine” was a presentation of the unexplored depths of human imagination that moved many visitors.
The Savi Academy is an organisation that celebrates diversity. They hope to construct an Art Factory that would facilitate allwho want to produce and sell their art work. If you wish to support them, please contact the head of the academy Lakisha Fernando, on 0773811105.