Rooted in classicism

Nipuni Wimalapala

His extra creative lines, aesthetic approach and classy touch on every painting definitely evoke the classicism of art. An artist could never be made, but has to be born, is what he believes. Mervyn Mendis is another Sri Lankan artist who possesses inborn talent to paint. He is professional and outstanding. He was entirely inspired by the works of world famous artistes such as Michelangelo, Picasso, Da Vinci and Raphael.

Mervyn Mendis

Mervyn Mendis's latest exhibition, ‘A Return to Classicism’ would be the perfect outcome of his excellent creativity that he has achieved through sheer hard work, patience and practice. Displaying his creativity in a novel form, Mendis inaugurates his second solo art exhibition, ‘A Return to Classicism’ at Alliance Franceise de Colombo on July 25 at 5.30 pm. It will be opened by National Heritage Minister Prof Jagath Balasuriya. The exhibition continues till July 30.

Masters’ influence

“I am an academic artist having roots in classicism, Egyptian Art, Greek sculpture not forgetting Rodin, works of the great Renaissance masters extending up to Rubens and Rembrant, dedication to humanity and nature by the impressionists and our own sculpture and paintings of the past have been my guiding force,” Mendis noted.

Though he is basically a human figure painter, he loves observing the beauty of nature, setting and rising of sun, birds, animals and boundless sea. Being a child, he wanted to record the memories of those beautiful sceneries in his mind. The perfect way he found to do it was, painting the scenes he observed. However soon he found it interesting to portrait the mesmerizing beauty of the nature on canvases with definite expressions and meanings. Apart from nature, he has touched sensitive humane topics such as war refugees, post war effects on humans and religious values.

As he advanced in years he came across what Rembrandnt said: “Human figure is the most beautiful thing on earth”. With that, Mendis more specifically focused in drawing human figures other than anything. But he is not framed in it. He is quite interested in historical stories and narrations. He refers his paintings to an incident, a historical story or scenery which he has seen. He is interested in the great work of world famous artistes and their outstanding methods. Geometrical drawing, mathematical balance, very sharp lines, colour combinations and durability of those famous paintings are highly valued by this artist.

Mendis’ paintings

“I had no formal art training until I was introduced Mudlier A C G S Amerasekera by a close friend of mine in my mid twenties. Then I was in Government service. Recognizing my ability, he gave a free scholarship to learn from him as much as I want assuming that I will also contribute to Sri Lanka Art. Now I doubt whether I made use of the golden opportunity given to me to the fullest. I embark on this exercise though it may be somewhat late. Having born with this gift given by God, I owe him and my country some sort of contribution to the field of art,” Mendis expressed.

Painful periods

“In my artistic career which had several stoppages, some painfully long, I am heavily indebted to several persons.

When I was a child, I used to draw on sand and my grandfather and my parents never dissuaded me from doing so and allowed me to develop my raw talent.

My Artistic talent was observed by my parents and my grandfather at a very tender age and thereafter by my boarding prefect at St. Mary’s College, Chilaw, Rev. Bro. Andrew and my Art Teacher Alexander,” he noted.

Mendis stresses that his purpose is to entertain and educate people via his feelings and observations which he seals on canvases in vivid colours. He believes that an artist is born to be and by perusing this talent one can only reaches perfection. He strongly deems that an artist is also a poet, storyteller, humanist who could imagine and express the best.