Fusing Dutch artistry with Ceylon flavour
Amalshan Gunerathne
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.
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Jeanne
Geubbels |
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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.
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Fish and
lovers |
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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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