TRANSITION, the international debut art exhibition of illuminating Sri Lankan contemporary maestros in Singapore, showcases the works of five painters and one sculptor, thoughtfully curated by Mandala Fine Art Studio. I popped by the VIP opening and got to speak a little bit with the artists about their work.
In this group show, the artists’ expressions are kindled by a poignant sensitivity to their surroundings as well as clever observations of Sri Lankan society and it’s post-conflict period. In a nation where discord has recently been replaced with unity, contemporary art is used here to interpret the joys of peace. The rationale that a thing of beauty can bring forth progress is well marked in this exhibition.
Expect thought-provoking pieces from Gayan Prageeth, a peek into Prageeth Rathnayake‘s internal headspace and anguish, emotional contemplations in Pramith Geekiyanage‘s mixed media paintings, renderings of repetitive triangular shapes expressing the lightness of being and an ode to freedom by Sarath Gunasiri Perera, bold swashes of nature-inspired hues from Jagath Ravindra, and charming patinated brass and copper sculptures by Manoranjana Herath.
There are several pieces which I appreciate at the show, but in particular an abstract acrylic on canvas piece titled Reawakening V, by Jagath Ravindra, calls out to me. The back view of an abstract seated silhouette with its waterfall-like head appears to be an appropriation of endless thoughts that swim inside our minds. I like how the cool tones dominating the upper half of the canvas transitions into the warm colors grounding the lower half of this painting.
Established in Sri-Lanka, receiving degrees from the University of Performing and Visual Arts, these artists are hailed as exponents of contemporary art. In this exhibition, Mandala Fine Art Studio endeavours to introduce these masters to the international scene using Singapore as a portal. From the canvas to brass, from the neutral to the chromatic, from the surreal to the urban, this group’s work showcases the far-reaching corners where inspiration can flourish.
From June 18 to July 5, the exhibition TRANSITION can be viewed at Mandala Fine Art Studio, CT Hub, 2 Kallang Avenue.
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