Kala Pola draws crowds

By Chiranthi Senanayake A continuous stream of people trudged up and down Nelum Pokuna Mawatha amidst two parallel rows of stalls whose content testified to the diversity of art. They were all visitors of the annual Kala Pola- Colombo’s open air art exhibition organised by the George Keyts Foundation of Sri Lanka in collaboration with John Keells Holdings PLC. It was held for the 22nd consecutive year from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm on January 25th. Over 300 creatives of various generations, genres and inclinations exhibited their creations to locals and foreigners who were awe struck by the talent pool concentrated at one location. “Brilliant. Simply brilliant. Everywhere you turn there is beauty.” said a home maker from Wellawatta, Chithrangani Wasudeva who had come to the Kala Pola to purchase a wall painting. Undoubtedly, the Kala Pola appeals to all art lovers due to the event’s artful variety. One could see brass sculptures of the Buddha, still life drawings of fruit baskets, pyrography of a leopard in its afternoon siesta and landscape drawings of a busy Pola day, among an ocean of paintings and sculptures drawn to diverse themes and styles.   The main aim of the Kala Pola is to act as a platform for Sri Lankan artists to promote their works at a low cost by connecting with potential art buyers. The expenses associated with an independent art exhibition is non-existent. Additionally, pieces are sold at a 50% price reduction from its normal market value which makes art affordable to all. “This is great opportunity especially for a young artist like me who is just starting out.” said first time entrant Vidurasa Kumara who is a painter. An official ceremony was held at 5.00 pm with the presence of the Indian High Commissioner, H.E.Y.K Sinha as the chief guest. The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of a Gokkola oil lamp. Living up to its goal to showcase a cross section of Sri Lankan art, the official ceremony of the Kala Pola featured the traditional Sri Lankan raban dance and pantheru dance to entertain the gathered and provide them a piece of culture. “I have been to many art fairs in Paris and Monmorth but none of them are as excellent as this one.” said his Excellency H.E.Y.K Sinha, commenting on the exhibits at this year’s Kala Pola. In every meaning of the phrase, the “Kala Pola” is an art market. Art buyers bargained with art sellers while soothing symphonies played through a loud speaker system. The air held the smell of celebration: the celebration of art.