Vibrant colours, warm tones
View(s):Murals have a big role in telling stories; big and bright, arresting and evocative. They can add colour to a dreary landscape, stand for a cause, or just entertain. Here in Sri Lanka, there’s always been murals, but the art really took off a few years ago.
For Joshuah Heby, the creative force behind ‘Muralist Sri Lanka’ and the driving mind behind ‘Agna Film Productions’, the journey into the artistic realm began early; “By the time I wrapped up my OLs, I was already certain that a life immersed in art was my path. It all kicked into high gear with an unexpected opportunity on the set of ‘Komaali Kings,’ a film that ignited my career,” he explains.
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- Joshua (center) with his crew. Pic by Seetharaman Sanjeevan
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- Some of the murals completed by Joshuah and his team
This sparked his interest and led him to pursue a creative path. “My thirst for storytelling led me to dive headfirst into a spectrum of creative outlets – from traditional and digital paintings to graphic design and the captivating world of films.”
His foray into the medium of murals happened later. “The muralist in me emerged through a call from my artistic comrade, Goabi Ramanan, the art director for a film I was involved in.” A new hotel coming up in Haputale presented a blank canvas waiting to be painted with ‘Ravanan’s kingdom.’ “The allure of breathing life onto bare walls proved irresistible. We formed a dynamic team, roping in young talents and interns. The project spanned three exhilarating months, sculpting our collaboration into a finely tuned masterpiece-producing machine.” And just like that, the magic of collaborative mural creation was born.
Joshuah explained the typical creative process for him; from an initial concept to the final, larger-than-life masterpiece.
“The creative journey typically kicks off with a chat between us and the client, or interior designer. In our team, each of us plays a unique role. Goabi Ramanan and I take charge of shaping the concept. Once we lock in the idea, we start sketching out various possibilities. It’s then my job to put together the final composition and choose the right colours for the artwork. As soon as the paint touches the wall, it’s like our canvas comes alive, and together, we put our hearts into making the concept real.”
It helps that his is a diverse, multi-skilled team: “Our team has specialised talents like Vithush for example, who loves to paint plants and trees, and is a wizard at clean smooth line work; and Sajeeva is our personal DJ while we paint, and loves to paint clouds.” The whole process is incredibly exciting, and the finished mural stands as a symbol of the group’s creative efforts coming together.
Murals have a big role in telling stories so Joshuah and the team try to convey specific stories or messages through their artworks. Some are especially close to his heart.
“There’s one artwork that really stands out for me. It’s a mural we did at Marino Beach Hotel. When I talked to the manager about the painting, he pointed out a long wall you can see from the road and from inside the lobby, but the exterior and interior both were mostly white and modern-looking. I thought the building needed a touch of our country’s traditional colours. So, we decided to create a colourful traditional mural that would give the place a different feel. When we finished the painting, the whole atmosphere shifted a bit, becoming more like a cozy home and reminding us of our roots. This is a clear example of how murals can transform spaces. Each artist has their own unique style, and Joshuah and his team have a signature style too when it comes to creating murals. They like to provide an immersive experience to viewers and they gravitate towards certain colour palettes.
“Our distinctive mural style is all about vibrant colours and intricate details. We’re drawn to using warmer tones like Yellows, Reds, and Greens. Rather than scattering many small figures, we often focus on one or a couple of larger subjects. Our murals are known for their richness in details, encouraging viewers to get up close and immerse themselves.”
But that’s not all: “To add a touch of fun, we often hide little surprises within the artwork, a little treat for those who take an extra moment to explore the painting.”
When working with clients on a project, it’s important for everyone to be on board with the concept. Both client and creator need to be on the same page. This takes a little digging, a getting-to-know-you process:
“Usually, either me or Goabi kick off the talks with the clients. We dig into their needs, ideas, and what they envision, aiming to grasp what a business or home truly requires. For businesses, we really zoom in on their identity and brand, considering the tale they want to share and who their audience is. From there, we chat back and forth with the team while sketching out ideas. Once we lock in the concept and rough sketch, sometimes we whip up a detailed digital version of the mural, though often, that magic happens right on the wall. There have been a few rare instances where we just let loose and paint without any prior plotting,” he laughs.
The team at ‘Muralist Sri Lanka’ has the opportunity to transform public spaces and make an impact on the local environment. One experience where a mural had a particularly profound effect on the community who interacted with it, stands out for the team: “Back where it all began – in Haputale. We crafted a mural featuring Ravana, seated calmly, playing the Veena in front of a towering Nataraja statue. As the hotel’s staff and guests laid eyes on the mural, questions emerged. Why depict Ravana, often labeled a “Demon King,” serenely strumming the Veena? And what’s with the presence of Nataraja? This was way before the recent Ravana wave swept Sri Lanka. Curiosity kindled discussions, and we delved into the ancient tales, unveiling the enigmatic narratives. A striking shift occurred: folks who had perceived Ravana as a mere “Demon King” were now drawn to the true essence of his character. It was a moment that ignited a sense of pride, for we had succeeded in resurrecting genuine history,” he enthused.
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