'Reflections in Colour' - An exhibition of oil paintings

'Reflections in Colour', an exhibition of oil paintings by Jayani Pinnawala will be held from June 25-26 at the Lionel Wendt Gallery from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

"Painting is unique, providing an opportunity to the artist, with the use of colours and imagination to capture the whole world in different perspectives". It is a subject that will develop taking different turns as long as the world is in existence. It has opened up new dimensions in life.

In the good old days my friends introduced me as a Senior Administrative Officer and a Carrier Officer in the Sri Lanka Administrative service as I served in many senior positions as Commissioner of Internal Trade, or Deputy Ambassador of Rome, or Additional Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Today I am introduced as a professional painter and go on to comment on the fact that I have developed my own style of painting, and I have held a number of painting exhibitions and so on, Jayani adds.

Jayani Pinnawala has nurtured her inborn talents no sooner she engaged herself in painting, while serving as Deputy Ambassador in Rome, Italy. That was the beginning of her new venture, painting, which she started quite late in life but achieved success within a few years.

The rich culture and art conscious Italians motivated her, to take paintings to a higher pedestal. This was achieved when she conducted her first solo painting exhibition in the enchanting surroundings of the famous Isle of Capri. She still recollects how these foreigners who visited the island were attracted to her paintings.

She also took part in joint exhibitions in Rome. After completion of tenure of service in the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome, though she held senior positions in the Administrative service as Additional Secretary of Ministry of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Tourism and Sports and in the Ministry of Urban Development and Sports, respectively, and though shouldering these important responsibilities she continued her interest and continued her painting during her free time.

Asked about her continued interest, her comments are "I am glad that I have been able to pursue my interest and develop my talent without it going waste. Though patronising painting exhibitions and encouraging such talented artists is yet to be developed in Sri Lanka, Jayani considers, paintings as a great challenge, as there are more talented artists in Sri Lanka. Persistence and devotion does assist you' such as my experience; where I had a longing to do a painting on 'Dew drops', and to capture the beauty and the display of dew drops.

This was achieved, which is a great satisfaction more than a thrill. The painting I did was a beautiful Rose, with dew drops fallen on it.

In all my visits and travel whether, Visiting Art Museums, Painting displays, or enjoying the works of well-known artists, I make it a point to study such rich talent put on canvas and this helps me to develop new dimensions in my paintings.

It is also interesting to note that incidents around you could affect a creation of yours. My painting 'Helplessness' is a good example of how tsunami devastation influenced me during those awful days we encountered that calamity.

I have attempted to portray this sad episode with a painting on 'tsunami' which will remain in my memory for a long time. During my stay in Paris I visited the famous painters circle and spent long time enjoying master pieces and did my Painting'La Place du Tutre'.

I am fascinated by the productions of Painter Thomas Kinkade who does beautiful images using different shades of light. It is quite interesting to see how a painting could change with light how it could change from day light to dusk and to the darkness of the night. The character of his paintings is 'light'.

Painting is creativity. One creativity lies basically on many factors, the way you live and develop yourself and the essence of heritage as a human being. Every time you try a new path, invent a new approach, craft a new object, you are rearranging your techniques and capabilities of your life to something new and that's the essence of creativity.

With every creation you light a fresh candle for a darkened world and that in itself is a powerful source of joy for your life. Paintings bring me that joy, the relaxation and peace of mind.

This time most of my creations are on different landscapes. Through experience I have found out that people of Sri Lanka are fond of landscapes than figures, animals or object paintings. Thus I have concentrated more on vivid landscapes to suit the audience.

The 'Old Pettah Market Road' is one of my favourite paintings for this exhibition. Jayani firmly asserts, the greatest of the practiced Arts is to live life deeply and fully.

Jayani is a product of Visakha Vidyalaya.

- D.W

King Henry V

The World of arts by Gwen Herat

If ever William Shakespeare wagged his tail, he did so in KING HENRY V. Subconsciously all writers often identify themselves in one of the characters in their plays. With no exception to this myth, we find Shakespeare in the guise of Chorus in KING HENRY V. Laced with mirth and wit as well as with deep meaning, Chorus delivers the famous line at the beginning of the play, dramatically heralding what is to follow:

Chorus:

'O for a Muse of fire, that could ascend,
The brightest heaven of invention.
A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
Monarchs to behold the swelling scene.
Then should the war-like Harry, like himself
Assume the part of Mars and at his heel...

Act I. Scene I (Prologue)

Moving on to the close of play, there is Chorus making the final farewell chronicle and well have been Shakespeare himself. These references are glaring at us in ACT. V, Scene 11. He has given himself a platform for a grand epic whose play has rested on the Muse but at the same time apologising for failure to dispel the fury of the French wars;

Chorus:

'Thus far, with rough and all-unable pen
Our bending author hath persu'd the story.
In a little room confining mighty men.
Mingling by stars the full course of their glory
Small time, out in their small, most gently lived
This star of England; Fortune made his sword'...

Act V. Scene II

Set in England and France in a historical backdrop, King Henry V succeeds his father in 1413 and dies in 1422. Led by this mighty warrior, England won the battle of Agincourt against the French in 1415. Henry V married Princess Katherene of France.

Shakespeare had the tendency to move away from history when his plays warranted factual figures and time but kept very close and true to KING HENRY V. Written in 1599, the Bard used a whole retinue of royalty but many making brief appearances.

What spurred King Henry V to invade France was what the Archbishop of Canterbury explained from the 'Saic Law' which justified England's claim to the French Throne. He sent word to the Dauphine that he will fight in France.

Before the army sailed Nynn and Pistol learnt about the death of Falstaff from Nell Quickly, Pistol's wife. In the meantime, the king sentenced to death three traitors at Southampton. Princess Katherene of France in readiness for her wedding, learnt English from her confidante, Alice.

This was during the preparation for the battle at Agincourt. King Henry had outsmarted the French and made sure everything was in place and disguised himself the previous night to mix among the army. He also prayed with three soldiers for success. The king believed in God as he did what was right for his people and the country.

In the morning he summoned the Army and delivered the famous rallying cry. He rode in fury and he forged with grit towards victory. England was his love, his country and a nation of noble people.

The battle was fought with great losses to the French Army. The dead English were fewer than thirty but he was heart-broken over them and broke down on the patriotic English blood that flowed. In the confusion, Fluelle, captain of the Welsh Army forced Pistol to eat a leek for ridiculing the Welsh. At the French Palace peace is made.

The victorious King Henry V proposes to the beautiful Princess Katherina who accepts him much to the joy of King Charles VI and Queen Isabella, her parents. To end the play, we find the boistrous Chorus paying tribute to the Star of England. In performance, King Henry V is a very popular play, especially on school stage.

Because of its historical backdrop that is vibrant in world history, drama teachers opt for its dialogue. They feel while the children are focused on the Bard's play, they get an opportunity to study English history in the era of King Henry V. This play was first staged in England at the Globe Theatre and became a favourite drama on many European platforms.

Film producers saw its potential and in 1944, Sir Laurence Olivier debuted as King Henry V in the three Shakespearean films he produced. William Walton scored a magnificent and spectacular score for this epic.

This was the turning point for Sir Olivier's career who later became the doyen of classics. He was knighted for his character-portrayals in Bard's plays. His films contained a galaxy of British stars.

These were followed by other versions when Kenneth Brangh directed King Henry V in 1989. Among other versions Phil William's adaption from King Henry V titled the Wax King was a great success. It was first performed at the Man in The Moon Theatre in London in 1992.

Television had their different versions and in 1979 another great hit with David Gwallin was mounted for British viewers.

Christopher Plummer played Henry V at Stratford as well as in Ontario in 1956 and at the Edinborough Festival in 1957. Barry Kyle mounted a memorable version directed by him at 'The Theatre to a New Audience' in New York in 1995.