‘Heal the World’ an exhibition of paintings at the Wendt
Having taught art at Lyceum International School since 1999, it is quite surprising to find that Saumya Jayasekera was also a lawyer by profession. She found that art was her true passion that was calling out for her. Due to commitments she stopped teaching in 2007 however was persuaded by a few friends to begin an amateur art class.
Pic by Sameera Weerasekera
Mostly through word of mouth, Saumya found herself teaching children and a few adults the craft in her home garage. Only taking students above the age of four, she explains how it is easier to teach people a craft that they genuinely enjoy. “Art is very therapeutic and gives balance to my students. They have something to express themselves… the colours they use are a fantastic way of guessing what their mood may be.”
“Before parents bring their children to my class, I tell them that it is just for kids to have fun in the time they spend here and express themselves,” she shared as she explained that the children get a lot of confidence after seeing their artwork on display at exhibits.“Once I find that they are ready and when they themselves are ready we hold an exhibition.”
Sisters Rahma (12) and Hana Imran (10) have always enjoy art, with Rahma truly loving the craft at age 5, it was only natural for her younger sister Hana to also develop a liking to drawing and painting. “We are all grateful to our art teacher who has helped each one of us develop our own personal style,” tells Shari Jayawardhana (33) who has been participating in Saumya’s class for 3 years now.
Shari was one of the four senior students of Saumya’s that held an exhibition ‘Shades of Hope’ in aid of the Society For Upliftment & Rehabilitation of Leprosy Affected Persons back in 2016.
Having always been interested in art as a young girl, calling it a ‘therapeutic stress reliever.’ “For art there is never a finish line and I needed this creative outlet in my life.”
‘Heal the World’ will be an art exhibition showcasing different techniques and styles from Saumya’s students.
The audiences can expect to see a variety of techniques used on canvas such as oil paints, watercolour, acrylic, charcoal, mixed medium,sketches, etc.
The themes vary from the individual styles and creativity of the participants.
There will be 15 participants and 126 paintings that will be up for sale. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated towards the Children’s Ward of the Cancer Hospital Maharagama.
The exhibition will open on May 30 at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. It will be open to the public on May 31 and June 1 from 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.