Seeking emotional truth via paintings
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Art lovers of the city and those who are hunting for something new
and mind provoking form the everyday art exhibitions that unfold at
local galleries will no doubt be fascinated by the works of Shanthi De
Silva.
The painter had used his images and kills with paint in a manner
which makes his viewers pause in front of the paintings rather than skim
the work at one go and then move on. His formula for success derives
from the ability to think out of the box.
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Some of Shanthi’s paintings |
"Each painting embodies elements in conflict with each other, whether
on a literal level or a more metaphorical one.
Shanthi will be showcasing 12 of his paintings at his maiden
exhibition 'The Struggle'.
"I did not focus on abstract art of the reality. It is an art form
that falls between these two genres. Abstracts confuse the viewers while
reality limits their capacity to think. I wish to rouse the curiosity of
the beholder and take his or her thoughts towards a different angle,"
Shanthi explained the vision behind his attempt.
He adds that the imagery he had used in his art is mind provoking.
It will motivate the viewers to think over the painting and the
images will be instilled in their minds for some time rather than
dismissed at a glance. The artist who hails from Kandana had used
watercolours as his medium but he says that he hopes to experiment with
other mediums in the future.
"My next attempt will be in Acrylics and then I'll be moving on to
oil on canvas. I did not study the subject under a teacher. The ability
to paint was in my genes," he said.
A product of St. Anthony's College, Wattala, Shanthi had ventured
into the advertising sector after studies. He firmly believes in
individuality.
"Each of us needs to think differently and form our own imprint. That
is the essence behind my vision. My paintings are untitled because I do
not want to saddle the viewers with preconceptions or colour
perceptions. I encourage them to draw their own conclusions and make
their own interpretations," he added.
He is not interested in any form of 'literal truth'. Rather he seeks
'emotional truth' to capture a way of projecting the surroundings which
would otherwise be 'inaccessible to us through language'.
"For instance viewers had said that this painting reminds them of the
idiom 'Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned' but when you take a closer look,
you would realise that it does not quite tally with the saying," he
noted while displaying a painting that shows a girl strumming the violin
while sitting on a n overturned column which resembles that of the
Parthenon in Athens.
'The Struggle' will be held on August 13 (10 am to 7 pm) and August
14 (9 am to 6 pm) at the Q&E Advertising Lobby, No. 125, Kynsey Road,
Colombo 7. Shanthi's exhibition is the first exhibition to be held at
the Q&E office. |
