Diary of Events: Launch of Journal & Exhibitions

The Ceylon Journal makes its debut with an array of articles on a variety of subjects including archaeology, art, architecture, culinary arts, folklore, history, language and literature, law, music, natural history, social and economic conditions, sports and wildlife. The biannual journal priced at Rs. 2,000 will be launched on August 2 at the Sri Lanka Medical Association auditorium in Colombo.

The 2020 Group will present “Odyssey 2” – featuring a collection of their paintings at the ‘ Karaliya’ Art Gallery, Kandy on August 9, 10 and 11 from 9.30 am to 7 pm. The members of the 2020 Group – Janaka Ratnayake, Wasantha Siriwardena, Anura Srinath, Nuwan Thenuwara, Rohan Dassanaieyake, Sunil Katugampola and Gamini Abeykoon are all well known artists who from different disciplines.

Epic Black, the much awaited show by dance production house, With My Feet presented by Union Assurance hits the stage on August 9, 10 and 11 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Audiences will see UK’s five-time undefeated National Champion, Gunnar Gunnarsson, and Manuja Hughes, Blackpool Open Smooth Champion take the spotlight along with Professional Ballroom European Champions and Professional World Champions, Roman Sukhomlyn and Jackie Stevenson along with local stars.

Showcasing a selection of works from a diverse range of dance disciplines including Latin American, Ballroom, Contemporary, Fusion and more, Epic Black is directed by veteran dancer and teacher Naomi Rajaratnam. The show is a tribute to her late husband Trevor Rajaratnam.

Minal Wickrematunga’s exhibition Strong Heart, Strong Head, Strong Emotions opened on Thursday, August 1 at the Barefoot Gallery and will continue until August 17.

Strong Heart, Strong Head, Strong Emotions is a series that explores the powerful lives of 10 women from Sri Lanka, inspired by the words of Dr. Rajani Thiranagama.

Says the artist Minal Wickrematunga, “The resilience and power of these women encapsulate the very fabric of our society. This is an attempt at celebrating their stories and accomplishments, as well as standing in solidarity with the grief and burden that they must carry.”

Her works created in collaboration with the artisans at Ira Industries, a production house with a specialization in crafting batik textiles, offer a contemporary spin on traditional batik dyeing and fabric paint, the pieces an act of archiving.

The Ceylon Journal Cover

A painting by Wasantha Siriwardena