Coming from a family of avid artists and craftsmen, 31- year-old Dinusha Uthpala Upasena grew up as a part of that tradition. His parents being experienced artisans, helped Dinusha and his sister discover their own talent.
Dinusha’s mother lectures on leather work at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. His father who was also a lecturer at the same university has expertise in wood carving.
As a child Dinusha was determined to follow in the footsteps of his parents and his passion for creativity and hard work saw him selected to the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
There he followed painting and through it portraiture. He studied the human figure that later led him to sculpture. “Out of everything I know I love painting the human figure. That is why I studied it for years,” says Dinusha. After graduating from the university with a degree in Fine Arts he went on to hold a few group exhibitions on a variety of subjects including still life, portraits, line drawing and life drawing.
His exploration of different mediums and his interest in skin texture and colour inspired Dinusha to study goat’s skin as a form of experimentation.
These studies led the innovative artist to experiment with different techniques in leather and his works on leather developed enough to become a complete collection. This unique collection titled “Momentum” is to be unveiled on Tuesday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt Art Galley. The exhibition will remain open on June 22 and 23. [Gallery hours 10 a.m. - 7p.m.]
“This is my first solo leather work exhibition. As an artist my main object is to present leather as art. I have used leather as a medium for paintings, wall hangings, sculptures [and] clothing. Leather works have traditionally been restricted to handbags and belts in society but, my view is different. I have used different kinds of leather techniques such as leather batik, embossing, and burning which people have never seen before.
Later I want to further develop the five distinct paintings done on leather and create a series. In the future I hope to have a solo exhibition focused on that theme,” he says enthusiastically .
Dinusha works as a graphics designer for Battlebridge Publications and amidst all his work and studies, still finds time for art. |
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