Artist Michael Weeraratne held his first art exhibition recently, unveiling a collection through an exceptional exploration of colour.
Michael Weeraratne
The exhibition was a profound journey of experimentation with colour, delving into how vivid and bright hues could elevate moods and transform perspectives. Unlike conventional exhibitions categorised by themes or styles, Michael’s work stood as a cohesive voyage into the world of colour. Each piece was a testament to his innovative approach and his belief in the power of colour to invoke joy and dispel negativity.
Artist Weeraratne said, “What inspires me really is the thoughts in my mind. The negative thoughts, the thoughts of fear that I fight with visualisation of colour in my mind. I live in my mind because I do not go out very much and I lead a very reclusive life. Without exaggeration, I have only stepped out in the past last several years maybe 3 or 4 times out of my house. I live in a world of colour that I imagine in my own mind and my art is an expression of that.”
Michael’s deeply personal and introspective lifestyle feeds directly into his art, making each piece a window into his internal world. His routine of painting four to five days a week underscores his commitment and passion for his craft.
“More than my keenness it was my family, my friends and my loved ones around me who thought that I should be sharing my journey of expression in colour with the rest of the world and thereby also contributing in bringing joy to their lives as much as it has brought joy to me. So, it was really their motivation and influence,” he said.
From a young age, Michael has been enamoured with drawing and sketching, a passion nurtured within a creatively gifted family. He credits his artistic growth to his aunt Hemarli, an internationally acclaimed artist from Norway.
The artistic streak runs through his family, with relatives excelling in fields – his niece is an interior designer, brother is an Architect and many family members, shaping an environment that fostered his creative spirit.
For Michael, art transcends mere visual appeal. “Art is an expression for me. Art is telling a thousand stories in one painting. Art is reading out poetry in a painting. Art is writing a book in a painting. Art is one painting that can speak chapters and volumes in somebody’s life,” Michael said.
Michael predominantly uses acrylics and water colours on art paper, valuing these mediums for their fluidity and the speed at which they allow him to create. His choice of materials reflects his desire for spontaneity and immediacy in his work.
