Paintings of a different theme

Nipuni Wimalapala

His figurative arts are far superior to those of an academic art master's work. But he has never learnt art in an academic scheme. That is his specialty. He believes that art cannot be taught and his stunning works prove it. His art is all about figures and expressions which are innovative.

Jayantha Silva is quite a known name among art lovers in Sri Lanka. He has established his name through his immense talent which encompasses a vast range of artistic potential. Exposing his latest set of works, Jayantha will hold 'Expressions 9', an exhibition of figurative art at the Gallery Red - Gandhara. The inauguration exhibition will be held on December 14 at 6.30 pm. The exhibition will remain on December 15 and 16 at 10 am.

It will be his ninth large scale exhibition which will bring out Silva's recent works under different themes. There will be about 60 paintings which differ from each other. Most paintings are done by pastel and coal.

Jayantha Silva has won the first place at a cartoon competition called 'The other side', organized by the American Centre in Colombo. The significance of this victory is that it was the first time he did a cartoon. After contesting with a lot of cartoon experts he could bag the first prize.

Recalling his beginning as an artist, Silva notes that his artistic capability was sharpened during his schooling days at St. Peters College, Bambalapitiya. He was a superb artist even as a small kid. As a 12-year old child he had taken part in many art competitions across the island and won first and second places.

"After leaving school, I was quite doubtful over my future since I had an idea that an artist can never have a good future. Then I paid attention to commercial art and started engaging in advertising industry where I still work. But then again in 1983 and 1984, I thought of doing paintings. So again I became serious about art and wanted to do it in a professional way," Silva said.

Again he fell in love with art and continuously did many paintings. And then he got the idea of holding an exhibition. Afterwards he held many exhibitions in Sri Lanka as well as abroad. He has held art exhibitions at Galle Fort and Light House Hotel where a lot of tourists were attracted. There were some other artists with him and his main purpose was to promote them as well. His paintings are attractive with a huge cultural value that tourists demand them appreciating him. Most of his previous exhibitions were great successes from which he gained better recognition. Once he exhibited his creativity in Sydney, Australia. His works have been exhibited in New Delhi, India. He was sponsored by Export Development Board and he took part in a trade fair. The purpose was specifically to promote art as an export.

He draws the photographs of people into portraits which has a big demand. A lot of people ask him to draw the portraits especially it is popular among newly wedded couples. "Being an artist, I believe that we should get a better recognition since we possess standard talents. Most Sri Lankan artistes possess the capability to compete with international standards. So if we are provided with necessary facilities including a centre for artists, we would do much to uplift the industry in a way to benefit the country," Silva concluded. Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage