Haven for art lovers at Kala Pola

 ‘It’s not that you’re lacking talent – it’s that you’re lacking platforms’ This was the opinion of Dr JurgenMorhard, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, who graced the official ceremony of Kala Pola as the chief guest.

He felt that events such as Kala Pola help bring out the talented artists of the country and this in turn helps develop ‘the soul’ of Sri Lanka – which he recognized was part of the country’s vibrant culture. Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s only annual open air art fair, was held for the 23rd time on the 31st of January at Ananda CoomaraswamyMawatha, Colombo 07.The event began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 9 p.m.   

Hundreds of art lovers gathered together to buy the creations on offer in the different stalls that lined the fair. Paintings and sculptures created with all the popular mediums, along with some more unusual 

pieces were all up for grabs at the event.  Soothing jazz and classical music was played throughout the day, with live performances taking place later in the evening.

The traditional Kandyan dancers who performed at the official ceremony completed the event, and gave visitors an overview of not just the art forms available in Sri Lanka, but also the culture of the country. Kala Pola continued the trend of exhibiting a wide variety of Sri Lankan art in an unprecedented manner with work from renowned, professional artists as well as promoting the work of the less well known, yearning to make a name for themselves.

With over three hundred artists included this year there definitely was something for everyone!

-By Cecily Walker and Kaveesha Fernando.