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Wednesday, 25 May 2011

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Fusing Dutch artistry with Ceylon flavour

Inspired by the idea of fusing Dutch elements together in a Sri Lankan atmosphere with a modern sense of humour, ‘Made in Sri Lanka Exhibition’ will unravel itself to public at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from May 27 to 29 at 5 pm. The exhibition is a collaborative one where Dutch artist Jeanne Geubbels-Denissen and the photographer Petra van der Plas will get together to share their creative works with the local art lovers.

Jeanne Geubbels

Petra van der Plas

The hectic nature of their husband’s professions means that both Jeanne and Petra have to follow them around the globe on wherever they go. Jeanne has been living in Sri Lanka for one and half years and Petra has been in the country for over a year. The painter Jeanne is very much a veteran artist who has conducted more than hundred exhibitions throughout the world. Her experiences and the exposure to different cultures, people and nationalities mean that she has the capacity to express diverse feeling and thoughts on varied themes.

Expressing her thoughts on the exhibition Jeanne says: “In a sense it is a form of a handshake. Art is for free and we are sharing what we have to offer with a different culture. And the great thing about offering that handshake is that you learn from the other person, the other culture.”

As for Petra, ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ exhibition will be her second exhibition. Her first exhibition was in Guyana. Petra’s life also turned out to be an adventurous ride after her husband started to work to an international company. Her artistic proficiency and expert camera moves allows her to transform routine, daily experiences in to creative and inventive snapshots.

“Through the exhibition we hope to highlight the connection between Sri Lanka and Netherland. In fact that was one of our guidelines. We can still feel the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. For instance sometimes we see building and think, ‘hey that looks like Dutch architecture’. Likewise we tried to foil and blend Dutch elements in to our works.” Petra explained.

The duo hopes to arouse a certain sense of humour through some of their works. At the same time, the exhibition is sure to arouse your mind’s eye.

Fish and lovers

Religious harmony

“We hope to around a certain sense of humour. At the same time I like to trigger people. There has to be a combination which triggers you and make you think, I hope people who attend the exhibition will ask questions from us and enjoy it to the full.” Jeanne said.

Being in the country for a lengthy period has allowed them to comprehend the Sri Lankan culture and the way of life to a certain extent. When questioned on their stay in Sri Lanka, Jeanne was very honest in saying, “Frankly, I have mixed feelings about your country; I really like people, because they are nice, friendly. Well I guess, in our exhibition we hope to talk more about what we feel about the country, there you might understand what I meant by mixed feelings.”

Adding to Jenna’s thoughts Petra went on to say: “We are European and therefore we see things from a different perspective. Therefore sometimes it is bit difficult to comprehend another culture to the full.

But I have worked in African and I must admit that everything here is nicer than Africa. People are very friendly. Sometimes people thank me when I take a picture where as I m the one who should thank them. You can work in the outside without any fear. Yes, it is a beautiful country filled with scenic hills, mountains, beaches. Well it is not quite there yet, but it is on the rise.”

 

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