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| Tuesday, 16 March 2004 |
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'Circle of Life' Exhibition of Original Mandala Paintings by Johannes Frischknecht, Swiss Artist under the Patronage of the Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka. From 24 - 31 March 2004, daily from 2 to 11 p.m. Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The artist has been identified as a "bridge builder" between Switzerland and Sri Lanka, due to his intensive study of Buddhism, from where he derives the inspiration for his art. He has travelled extensively in Asia, following the footsteps of Buddha, but has never had a chance to complete his "pilgrimage" with a visit to Sri Lanka, the cradle of Theravada Buddhism. Mandalas - unknown yet familiar Although most Sri Lankans are not familiar with the Sanskrit term "mandala", which simply means "circle", its presence in daily life is nevertheless obvious. Each stupa, for instance, is built according to the principles of mandala composition, as the ground-plan reveals. The word "mandala" itself is supposed to be derived from a ritual, during which the devotees used to walk around a stupa, reciting prayers, and chanting. Another prominent mandala is the Dharmachakra, the wheel representing the Eightfold Path. The lotus flower, a motive in many mandalas, is another example. Perhaps the most stunning and unique mandala found in Sri Lanka is the Moonstone, with its ancient and deep symbolism.
Mandalas found their way into western culture in the 1950s, and were discovered by Carl Jung, the eminent late Swiss Psychologist. He observed that mandalas, irrespective of culture, religion or time, are a universal phenomenon, which captures the essence of human life in artistic form. He integrated mandala painting into his therapeutic work, because contemplating these symmetric and concentric designs, or even painting them, had a harmonizing and healing effect on his clients. The Artist Johannes Frischknecht takes the liberty of the artist to create innumerable variations of the mandala, integrating western and eastern elements. He drew his first mandala at the age of five. For more than 30 years, he has painted mandlas as a professional artist. His work can be seen and "experienced" in many meditation centers, clinics, retreat hotels, and of course private homes across Europe. He actually prefers his paintings to be exhibited in places where people can see them regularly, or for longer periods, to stress their healing effect. He is particularly enchanted by the opportunity to present a selection of his artwork in Sri Lanka, a country he has never visited before. "My visit is a great opportunity to familiarize with Theravada Buddhism. I will tour the country after the exhibition and visit many of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage places". One of the particularities of Firschknecht's approach is to offer personalized mandalas on commission. Similar to an astrologer, he interviews his client and gathers basic facts, which he then translates into a unique portrait in Mandala form. While in Sri Lanka, the artist will offer this opportunity as well. During the exhibition, he will be available for guided tours at the Mount Lavinia hotel. He enjoys explaining the principles of composition and colouring, and the rich symbolism expressed in his paintings. "I hope to contribute to the popularization of mandala art in Sri Lanka, and I am very eager to learn how art lovers will respond to my paintings". Whoever is keen to learn the art of mandala design, can participate in the weekend workshop at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, scheduled for 27 and 28 March. The artist will guide the participants in creating their very own mandala as a mirror of their life, and will demonstrate the origins and many variations of mandala paintings in Tibetan Buddhism and in other contexts. While the course participants are free to select their own materials and techniques, Johannes Frischknecht will convey the basic rules and principles of composition, and the techniques to create and visualize a personal mandala. Mandalas as an artistic expression of universal values, is accessible to all audiences and receives spontaneous positive response from a wide variety of art lovers. The Embassy looks forward to welcome Johannes Frischknecht as a swiss Artist "with a Buddhist touch", hoping to build close cultural ties with its host country through this event. All art lovers and the public are cordially invited to visit the exhibition free of charge. |
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Produced by Lake House |
The Swiss Embassy in Colombo has taken on the patronage for a Mandala
painting exhibition by the popular artist Johannes Frischknecht, at the
Mount Lavinia Hotel, from 24 to 31 March 2004.
Mandala art has blossomed mainly in the Tibetan schools of Buddhism,
with their rich pantheon of demons and gods, and a strict composition
based on the Four Noble Truths, or the six Tantras, and many other
elements of the Buddhist teachings.
