George Keyt Foundation has taken many steps to promote art

R.S. Karunaratne

COLOMBO: The quality of our artists has deteriorated. "Although the George Keyt Foundation holds annual international artist camps. Local artists who patronise the camps and Kalapola exhibitions are looking forward to sell their paintings," said Shanth Fernando addressing a press conference at Paradise Road Gallery Cafe recently.

Fernando said the George Keyt Foundation (GKF) had laid down stringent rules in the selection of paintings for the annual exhibition, this was done mainly to improve the quality of paintings.

"When you look at a painting, you can say whether it is an Indian, Chinese or Japanese painting. However, Sri Lankan artists have not developed that kind of identity, although local artists have financial problems, they should not go after money without developing their skills," he said.

Tissa Devendra, one of the founder members of the GKF said the foundation had taken many steps to promote local art. For instance, the GKF was directly involved in the preservation of Gothami Vihara murals. The foundation also published a book containing George Keyt's line drawings.

"Most of our talent comes from rural areas. To encourage artists we hold Nava Kala Karuvo art fair annually. The first Kalapola attracted 35 artists. But today the number has gone upto 350. However, the standard of art has come down," he said. Professor Albert Dharmasiri said local artists had to develop their skills. Identity of artists was a part of culture. Deraniyagala and George Keyt had their own identities. Their paintings showed a gradual evolution of style.

"Young artists are not inclined to make a name today. They overestimate their work and try to sell their paintings at higher price," he said. Prof. Dharmasiri also said the G.K.F. would publish a newsletter soon to enable artists to exchange their views. When local artists do not have a dialogue with eminent foreign artists, they might think they are the best.

Jagath Ravindra an artist of repute, said our artists were self-made products, they should be exposed to good art and their work should be exhibited. The GKF had helped local artists since its formation. It was the duty of artists to improve their talents.

"The GKF has helped local artists to get themselves involved in artist camps, exhibitions and exchange programmes. This will help develop an art culture in the country," he said. Arun Dias Bandaranaike said artist camp had gone a long way to improve the standards of art.