Imagine Italy

Amalshan GUNERATHNE

The mesmeric touch of the Italian artists is such that they have always had the capacity to sketch unique masterpieces that could fascinate art lovers.

Blessed with rich imagination and artistic flair, Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello or Michael Angelo may it be, the Italian artists have gifted many timeless creations that linger on the hearts of many creative souls. They set the benchmark for other artists to follow. Over the years, the richness that surrounds the Italian Art has inspired and influenced many budding creative souls.

Last week marked a memorable one for young Sri Lankan fans of Italian art. They were provided with an exclusive opportunity to showcase and sketch how they perceive the richness and eloquence of Italian art and heritage.

Twenty four young artists from all over the island were given the chance to showcase their artistic masterpieces at the ‘Imagine Italy’ exhibition which unravelled in the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. The exhibition was organized by the Italian Embassy in parallel to the 150th anniversary of the country’s unity.

Most creations that were on display conveyed a philosophical ideology through vividly expressed visual strokes. Among the canvases that were on display Dhanushka Ariyarathne’s painting, ‘God’s Creation Transformed’ was a very striking one where he portrayed the way in which the world has turned in to a mechanical junkyard. Nirosha Wanigasuriya’s ‘Dreaming Jobs in Italy’ showcased Italy as a destination with great monetary value.

The painting showed the way in which people strive to go to Italy for the sake of earning some quick buck. Bodhi Sri Sampath’s, ‘The Destroyed City’ was also a very arresting one where he perfectly captured the ferocity of the burning city of Pompeii. Speaking to the Daily News Bodhi noted, “I am very happy that Italian Embassy has given such an opportunity to young people. It is a great chance for young people to showcase their talents to world.”

Twenty four paintings were selected from all over the island, including north-western province. The embassy gave away prize money as well as a book on contemporary Italian art for those who were selected to take part in the exhibition. The embassy also expects to launch a calendar from the paintings that were sent to the exhibition.