Artist's plea to protect rainforests through art

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

ART: With the touch of the sun rays thousands of colourful flowers wake up to flirt with the ferns around. The creepers embrace the giant trees that shade the Earth. The Lorikeets, Parakeets, Pigeons, Blue Magpies, Macaws, Mynhas, Jungle Fowls with their morning songs add beauty to this scene. This is a familiar sight to many of you who have visited the most famous rainforest Sinharaja that is considered as a world heritage site.

The tropical rainforest, abundant with various species of flora and fauna fades away gradually without our knowledge. One man is concerned about this issue.

"Global warming has become a huge problem. People do not realise the after effects. They don't realise the harm that they do by destroying the rainforests. The destruction of the rainforest paves the way for our own destruction and the future generation is deprived of enjoying the beauty of our country," he says of deforestation that has become a threat to all living beings on Earth.

He is the renowned artist Senaka Senanayake. With the determination of preserving the rainforest he is busy putting together a series of paintings on rainforests.

Environment

"The destruction of rainforests affects the globe. Once the environment is destroyed it is forever. We should preserve Sinharaja," he says. How will Senaka reach this huge goal through art?

"My present interest is to create awareness specially in young people. They are the future of the country. I try to attract them through my paintings and make them think about the beauty that we are losing," Senaka explained.

Senaka does not limit his artwork only to his Motherland.

Recently he travelled to New Delhi to promote the theme of rainforests. "It was a huge success. Indians are receptive and the environmental groups were highly interested. This is a global issue.

If I get the opportunity I like to travel even to the Amazon. Presenting our rainforest will make them think of rainforests in their countries. I hope to have similar exhibitions in Dubai, Hong Kong and New York," he said.

"Our ancestors protected the environment. Buddhism is also connected with nature. It is a disgrace for us to talk so much about culture and destroy the gifts of nature bestowed on us," Senaka points out.

He added that he was inspired by a project of rescuing rainforests based in Galle. " I was fascinated by the many endemic plants and birds. I have done nature themes such as foliage and lotus series. In my own way I try to make a difference," says the great artist with determination.

Modern art

Talking about art in Sri Lanka Senaka highlights the need for a modern art museum. "There is a lot of talent in the country. The schools should expose children to art. It shouldn't be merely teaching the subject but they should be taught art appreciation. The only exposure they can get in our country to art are the temples and churches.

Nothing of the last 100 years is exhibited. Future generations should be inspired with these works," he said underlining the necessity of a modern art museum.

Although life is busy he does not forget to extend a hand to young upcoming artists. "To encourage them they have been given the opportunity to display and sell their original works at the Colombo Hilton and Cinnamon Grand.

About 30 to 40 artists are given this opportunity," Senaka said.

Senaka's whole life is dedicated to art. His garden, with the beautifully bloomed flowers looks like one of his paintings. His love for sculpture is portrayed in his collection of various statues. Senaka continues his mission adding colour to the hectic lives around the world with his magical brushes and paint palettes.

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