‘Constellation’, an exhibition of paintings and sculpture by four artists attached to the Binara Foundation for Visual Arts is on till December 16 at Colombo’s Barefoot Gallery. Manoranjana Herath, Vajira Gunawardena, Indika Wijerathne and Gayan Prageeth are presenting their individual creations on different themes.
The Binara Foundation for Visual Arts was formed by Manoranjana and Vajira with the vision to do something different as young artists by way of expressing their own ideologies, explains Manoranjana.
Manoranjana’s sculptures done using mixed media such as fibreglass and copper are on themes that convey a range of human experiences such as love, hope, loneliness, jealousy, dreams and kindness.
The symbols of body parts, shapes and figures, the symbol of the heart are predominant in his work.
Born in Teldeniya, Manoranjana completed a Masters in Fine Arts (Sculpture) from the University of Delhi, India in 2002 and is attached to the University of Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo.
Vajira looks to interconnect body, place, memory and fact so as to examine human conditions, events, history and culture. He uses acrylic and oil on canvas, and mixed media in his paintings. However he says the material is not important as long as he can convey his ideas. Commenting on the influence of pop art, he says he incorporates a cartoon effect to add a contemporary touch and break away from the traditional methods of painting.
Vajira who hails from Colombo did his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies University of Kelaniya in 2009.
Dealing with subjects not usually talked about is artist Indika’s aim. His paintings focus on organic representations, mainly expression of sexuality. “Generally the techniques I use vary according to my concept,” says Indika who uses mixed media, blending deep, dull colours with glitter and dust to give vibrant effects that change with the light. This artist from Matale obtained his BFA Honours (Special Painting) from the University of Visual and Performing Arts Colombo in 2008.
Looking at human emotions and his personal experiences in life, Gayan’s paintings tell the story of dealing with life’s challenges. He stresses the importance of coming to terms with feelings such as tension, frustration and loneliness as part of life.
“The use of wings in human figures is to show how human beings have the potential to face and overcome challenges defeats,” he says. Having obtained his BFA (Special Painting) from the University of Visual and Performing Arts Colombo, Gayan is a temporary instructor at the University’s Department of Painting.
The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
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| Gayan Prageeth and his Art. |
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| Manoranjana Herath and his Art. |
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| Indika Wijerathne and his Art. |
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| Vajira Gunawardena and his Art. |
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