Fusion of tradition and modernity

by R. S. Karunaratne

Seven students of Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage will hold an exhibition of their paintings at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 7 from July 4 to 6.

The exhibition aptly entitled “Jayasisura 2008” will be ceremonially opened by professor Chandima Wijebandara, former Vice Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and currently of the Postgraduate Institute of Buddhism, Singapore, at 5 pm on July 4.

Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage’s printing have always been a source of delight and inspiration to all art lovers. The secret of his success appears to be his deep commitment to Buddhism and spiritual life. Central tenets of Buddhism colour his creative expressions that urge the viewer to respect life in all its forms.

Over the years he has imported his knowledge and skills to a trusted group of students. Every other year they exhibit their talents.

The seven artists who will join “Jayasisura 2008” are Anne Dalpathado, Nelu Wijayakumara, Premasiri Wickremasinghe, Lolina Celine, Hasanthi Saumya, Chandima Manori and Sonali Kularatne. Each student has done ten paintings and there will be to exhibits to entertain and enlighten the viewer.

Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage and his small batch of students have veered away from popular modern art. They believe that a painting should not be a puzzle. Semage has trained them to appreciate traditional art influenced by Buddhism. Although Sri Lankan in style, Semage’s paintings have a universal appeal.

Students of Semage should be justifiably proud of their master who has brought fame to his motherland by exhibiting his paintings at leading cities in the world. He has been hailed as a “genius” and a “painter of repute.” When he held an exhibition of his paintings in Nepal in 2001 First Lady Dr. Arzu Deuba said, “His paintings are very beautiful and easy to understand when looked at.

They possess a tremendous amount of beauty and emphasis on life and peace which are so important these days when there is so much violence and bloodshed around us.”

Semage has taught his students to use suitable colours along with traditional motiffs that have a pleasing effect on the viewer. Unlike many other local artists, Semage sticks to his religious themes, village scenes and styles probably influenced by Picasso.

“Jayasisura 2008” is bound to attract art lovers because it will showcase the talents of a small group of students who have drawn their inspiration from an artist who has fused tradition and modernity in a beautiful and memorable way.