Art gallery with Semage identity
Private art galleries are a common sight in the developed world.
Well-known artists have put up their own galleries which are open even
on holidays to cater to the art loving public. These galleries are very
popular among art connoisseurs because of their accessibility and
homeliness.
Public art galleries, on the other hand, are open on specific days
and they open only when there is an exhibition. Private art galleries
have a special attraction to the viewer as they are more user-friendly.
These galleries can be seen in Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, France,
Italy, Germany, and other developed countries. At some of these
galleries it is mandatory for the viewer to view certain creations from
a distance. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs or touch the
exhibits on display.
|
Jayasiri
Semage |
Sri Lanka cannot boast of private art galleries except for a few that
operate at the initiative of dedicated artists.
One of these is Semage’s Art Gallery at No. 3 Lilian Avenue, Station
Road, Mount Lavinia.
Situated in a highly residential area, the gallery is a welcome
destination for both local and foreign art lovers. As the artist is well
known in Sri Lanka and abroad, the art gallery is always full of
visitors.
Jayasiri Semage who shot up to prominence from a humble newspaper
illustrator to veteran painter has made it a point to display most of
his acrylic, water colour, and oil on canvas paintings at the gallery.
Some of the visitors are Sri Lankans working abroad. They invariably
visit the gallery to purchase their favourite painter’s art works to be
taken back to their countries. What is so special about Semage’s
paintings is that they have the unmistakable Sri Lankan identity. On
their next trip to Sri Lanka they do not forget to bring another Sri
Lankan or a foreigner to show the grandeur of our art.
Most of these Sri Lankans buy Semage’s paintings as they remind of
their country’s heritage. They appreciate how Semage has done his
paintings showing the country’s cultural heritage in appropriate colour
combinations and dexterous brush strokes. Their candid views can be seen
in the visitors’ book kept at the Semage Gallery.
Semage’s Art Gallery is unique in that it is open throughout the
year, including the government and mercantile holidays. The original
paintings sold out are immediately replaced by new creations. Even the
display of his paintings has its own identity.
Although Semage Gallery is located in a highly residential area, the
gallery itself is calm and quiet. Many visitors can be seen spending
hours on end viewing the paintings as if they are meditating.
In addition to the regular visitors, many schoolchildren can be seen
frequenting the gallery as no entrance fee is charged.
Jayasiri Semage attributes his success to his style he has developed
over the years. His unique style has attracted many art lovers to the
gallery. A few months ago Semage held one of his solo exhibitions in
Tokyo, Japan. He has been invited by another Japanese art lover to hold
an exhibition in his country.
What is remarkable is that Semage creates all his paintings in his
gallery. He also holds his art classes there on a regular basis. As a
result, many people visit the gallery to see for themselves how an
artist finishes his product.
“You can learn a lot by viewing how an artist uses his brush than
sitting in an art class. You will find it a new experience to see how
the artist uses his brush, mix colours, and gives life his artwork,”
said Jayasiri Semage turning to give the finishing touches to one of his
latest paintings.
|