An ‘artful’ Sunday
A multitude of stalls set up in two parallel lines along the tree-lined heart of the city allowed visitors to take a leisurely journey through art. A testimony to the popular saying “unity in diversity”, Kala Pola 2015 saw creative minds from the four corners of Sri Lanka coming together to celebrate art.
The 22nd consecutive Kala Pola- Colombo’s annual open air art fair- was held along the Nelum Pokuna Mawatha, Colombo 7, last Sunday. Organised by the George Keyt Foundation together with John Keells Holdings PLC, the whole-day event saw about 300 artists of varied expertise showcasing their works.
Creativity was evident in every nook of the art fair. Among the multitudes of techniques and art styles at the Kala Pola were paintings, pen and ink sketches, sculptures both traditional and modern, handmade greeting cards, newspaper collages, paintings on wood and so much more.
The aim of the Kala Pola is to be a forum for artists; especially for budding artists, to connect with potential art buyers and to show their talent to the public without having to bear the costs of staging an independent art exhibition.
“We need more opportunities like the Kala Pola especially to protect dying arts of Sri Lanka.” said cartoonist Jagath K.G Punchihewa whose drawings are based on folk drawing techniques of the country.
For all art lovers and buyers, the Kala Pola is the ideal event because it is a single portal to artists from all over the country and the works are sold at roughly 50% of the market value making them more affordable.
An official ceremony was held at 5 p.m. with the High Commissioner of India, Y.K Sinha lighting the traditional Gokkala lamp followed by speeches from the organisers. A Pantheru and Raban dance, aesthetic symbols of the country were also performed. The highlight of the official ceremony was a fusion item where Ashtakas (verses sung for blessing) usually sung to the beat of the Hewisi drums were presented to a rock band’s melody.
The Kala Pola which gives an opportunity for artists has grown from strength to strength, said the Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation, Cedric De Silva.
Visitors as well as the VIPs were greatly appreciative of the event. “I have been to many street fairs in places like Paris and Monmouth but none were of such a high quality as the Kala Pola,” said High Commissioner Sinha.
 Plenty to see on the street. Pix by Indika Handuwala |  |
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