TV Times

Visiting Peter Fernando's exhibition of art on ceramic tiles and plates depicting the likeness of nearly 150 personalities from world famous figures like Abraham Lincoln, Che Guevara and Lester James Peries to lesser known personalities but well-known in Sri Lanka Rohana Wijeweera, Malani Fonseka, Somaratne Dissanayake, I was surprised at his perseverance and dedication.

The exhibition was held at the public library auditorium recently. Hoping to hold an exhibition in the early sixties Mr. Fernando's idea thwarted due to unavoidable circumstances. Starting his career as cartoonist he worked for both 'Lankadeepa' and The Times' process department. He had won awards at the Jathika Kala Peramuna. His exhibition of the 'Wadakahasudiya' depicting the rather pathetic plight stages of women during the eclipse was the award winning picture.

Recalling Grey's elegy Mr. Fernando is a 'gem' born "to be wasted in the depths of "obscurity". In his 70s Mr. Fernando speaks nostalgically of the talent he had recalling that he has never got the proper encouragement to develop and gain recognition in the field.

"My fate was not kind to me when the article with the banner headline "Times Man Holds First Ceramic Exhibition" in the Times newspaper," says Mr. Fernando recalling one of the poignant memories. While working at Ceramic Corporation, he prepared for the exhibition and an old friend working at the Times newspaper had given him some publicity in the newspaper. But unfortunately one of his superiors who had seen the article had objected his conducting an exhibition and thereby prevented it being continued.

Speaking to him one could see that if Mr. Fernando had received proper guidance, direction and backing he would have reached unprecedented heights and received acclamation, applause and felicitation.

Mr. Fernando who lives at 'Mangala', No. 2, Gangabada Road, Piliyandala got to know R. J. C. Wijesekara while designing plaques for him at a nominal rate. Mr. Wijesekara in turn offered to help him to fire at his kiln. This helped Mr. Fernando to prepare necessary items for his exhibition.

In a country which gives prominence to art and culture not much recognition is given to the lowly one's who try to protect and promote arts.

Mr. A. H. M. Fowzie who opened the exhibition at which he showed appreciation for a portrayal of his on a plaque and there were many who wanted their portraits done.

The TV Times wishes Mr. Peter Fernando every success in his endeavour and applaud him for his brave endurance and patience and love for his career.