Art Gallery with Semage identity

by R.S. Karunaratne

Private art galleries are 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.

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. Public art galleries, on the other hand, are open on specific days and they open only when there is an exhibition.

Sri Lanka cannot boast of private art galleries except for a few that operate at the initiative of dedicated artists. On 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 the 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 to the art gallery are Sri lankans working abroad. They invariably visit the gallery to purchase their favourite painter’s art works to be taken back to the countries where they work. What is so spacial about Semage’s paintings is that they have the unmistakable Sri Lankan identity. On their next trap 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 inappropriate 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 at 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. He has also exhibited his paintings in many countries around the world such as Nepal, Switzerland, Sweden, Thailand, Malaysia and Finland. One of his paintings is on permanent display at the United Nations Hall in Geneva.

Those paintings exhibited in other countries can also be viewed at this gallery. What is remarkable is that Semage creates all his paintings in his gallery. He also holds his at 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 at class. You will find it a new experience to see how the artist uses his brush, mix colours, and gives life to his artwork,” said Jayasiri Semage turning to give the finishing touches to on of his latest paintings.