Chandana's 'my thought' on Nov. 27

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The three day sculpture exhibition, `My Thought', conducted by veteran sculptor Chandana Gunathilaka will be opened at the Lionel Wendt Auditorium, Colombo on November 27 at 10.30 am by Western Provincial Councillor Reginald Cooray and Head of the University of Visual and Performing Art Division, Sarath Gunasiri. The exhibition will thereafter continue on November 28 and 29 from 9.30 am to 9.00 pm each day.

Chandana Gunathilaka and his creations Pic: Vipula Amarasinghe

Chandana, a product of Vidyaratna University College, Horana is presently engaged in higher studies at University of Visual and Performing Art, Colombo had started his inborn talent of making sculpture at a very tender age of twelve. During his school days, he had actively participated in several sculpture and also painting exhibitions.

Speaking to Sunday Observer, Chandana said that 13 large size sculptures, created by him in the recent past are on display at the exhibition.

He said these sculptures have been made out of copper, iron, granite, wood, fibre and cement.

According to Chandana, this is the first occasion in recent years, this nature of sculpture exhibition is conducted in the city of Colombo and hope to extend his exhibition to other areas, especially in the city of Jaffna.

"My colleagues in the North who are studying with us, encouraged me to conduct such an exhibition in Jaffna, saying that an ideal opportunity has come for the sculpture loving youngsters, especially schoolchildren in the South to display their abilities to the people in the North," he said.

He said after following the full course at the University of Visual and Performing Art, he wish to make many more new sculptures for the local and foreign markets.

"I also wish the officials of the Cultural Affairs Ministry would visit the forthcoming exhibition to give me an encouragement while extending a helping hand for me to develop my creations,".

He said if he would be able to obtain the state patronage, he will conduct exhibitions even in foreign countries in the future.

During his career, Chandana had taken part in many school exhibitions and won several awards including the one, presented by the Government conducted Art and Sculpture festival at John de Silva Art Gallery in 2008.

He requests children and elders in the country to view the exhibition on November 27, 28 and 29.