His name is synonymous with Sri Lankan art – paintings in particular. ‘Kala Suri’ award winner, S.H. Sarath will hold his latest exhibition of paintings at The Artist’s Gallery, 18A, Sarasavi Udyanaya, Nawala Road, Nugegoda from August 16 to 21 from 10 am to 8 pm. The event is titled ‘ReKha SanKha’ (Canvas Heart) and will bring the latest technique he has mastered to the fore.
Cubism was a groundbreaking method of depicting reality that was developed in the years 1907–08 by the artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They combined various points of view on the same subject, usually objects or figures, to create paintings that look fractured and abstracted. This art form has appealed to Sarath and has inspired his latest collection. After indulging in many other art forms he has taken up this art and come up with a range of paintings with contemporary themes.
“Professional artists like myself are always on the lookout for inspiration wherever we go. Therefore, you can see events and features depicting chapters from each era through our paintings. It is like a walk through history. You will be able to revive many incidents from the past by viewing the artwork. I hope to deliver the theme of goodness projected through fine lines in my latest exhibition,” Sarath explained the purpose of ‘ReKha SanKha’.
The artist has used a variety of media for his work. You will be able to witness exquisite abstract art forms adorned with oil paints, pencil strokes, acrylic and a few pencil drawings. Guests will also be able to view some of his previous paintings as well.
“I believe my art has matured throughout these years. We learnt the skill by studying Renaissance painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Then we moved on to other masters from other eras and regions. I was intrigued by cubism because it served as the foundation for numerous subsequent abstract art movements, such as constructivism and neo-plasticism. It created limitless new avenues for the treatment of visual reality in art,” he said.
More than five decades have passed since he held his first exhibition while he was still a student at the Government School of Fine Arts. It was held in 1972 at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery and where Sarath shared an exhibition with one of his friends. From there on he has held numerous exhibitions at the same venue as well as in other places on the island and abroad.
Foreign exposure
He notes that his stint in Thailand honed his artistic skills. He studied at the Silpakorn University of Fine Arts in Bangkok from 1979 to 1980 through a UNESCO Fellowship programme. There, he met many renowned artists and learned a lot of new techniques. Later from 1995 to 1996, he studied printmaking and visual arts at the University of South Australia in Adelaide.
Many of his creations are on show at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Sri Lankahe National Gallery, UNICEF, National Development Bank, Ceylinco Group, Bandaranaike International Airport, and Commercial Bank are a few notable institutions that have permanent collections of his paintings and drawings.
Some of his work are featured in a few overseas locations among multiple private collections like the Ecka Gallery in Yugoslavia, Fukuoka in Japan, Audsigne Gallery in Stavanger, Norway, and the United Nations in Geneva.
A significant aspect of Sarath’s artwork is that it speaks about internal and external harmony and discord. His topics are diverse; he talks about deadly, hideous sins to tender aspects like love and flowers. Throughout the years his work is characterised by the blending of memories from his early years with the anxieties and sorrows of the people and places he has encountered throughout his life.
“We cannot stick to the local techniques today because we cater to the international palette. Our work has reached a global audience and has been purchased and showcased on a wider scale.
Ideas and techniques
Therefore, it is necessary to explore and upgrade your ideas and techniques consistently. Most of the themes I have dealt with are even relevant to today,” he pointed out citing an example with a painting in which he depicts a politician walking along the street dressed in armour.
He said that one of the things he cherishes most in his career is that he is one of the few who were able to exhibit his work alongside the ’43 Group. He has associated the likes of master painters like Ranil Deraniyagala, Mudaliyar A .C .G Samerasekere and Senaka Senanayake.
“My art has taught me some invaluable life lessons which I share with my audience. I believe that it is best to nip issues in the bud and take them up for discussion as soon as possible. Do not waste your or other’s time. Since the world is constantly changing, problems should be expected. Cleanse your thoughts and get on with your work. That is my vision,” he said.
