Art Fusion Exhibition at Galadari

Theatre enthusiasts will be treated to an exhilarating aesthetic experience at the 'Art Fusion Exhibition' where creatively crafted artistic creations of the gifted young artists from 'Studio K' will be showcased to appease their aesthetic senses. The young ones will set free their inner artists to capture the aesthetic senses of art lovers, as the exhibition will unravel on September 8 at the Hotel Galadari.

The artworks that are on display include artistic marvels that are crafted with gesso paste, paper pulp, magazine paper, wood, wire, dolls made with throw away materials, collage work and fabric craft. The exhibition will be open to the public from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and proceeds will go to worthy causes.

Wonders

The 'Studio K' is where the artistic expression of the students is given the free licence to explore the wonders of art. Kishani Wikramanayake is the guiding force and the brainchild of 'Studio K' who combined her love for Art & Design with her passion in teaching children to set up the institute. At 'Studio K', she mentors students between the age of 3 to 16 years not only the rudiments of art, but also handwork.

The flourishing young artists who will unleash their creative skills at the exhibition are Anika Ariff, Jeni David, Nikhail de Silva, Dillon Fernando, Imasha Fernando, Chiren Gamalath, Chanul Gamalath, Charithma Gamalath, Aamina Hameed, Imran Hameed, Naveen Hameed, Methum Jayawardene, Maanasi Jayawardene, Dulanga Kekulawala, Sulanya Kekulawala, Ninara Liyanasuriya, Seyara Liyanasuriya, Gayendri Liyanasuriya, Chloe Marasinghe, Aneeqa Nawaal, Aaliya Shajehan, Krishani Sivanandan, Ayra Wadood, Sandali Wijeratne, Cheynnen Wikramatilaka and Cheneliza Wikramatilaka.

Kishani, the mentor of the young artists, has been teaching art since 1988 and believes that children must be guided in art, and not forced to follow preconceived patterns and rules.

Expressing her thoughts on the art of mentoring young artists, Kishani stated, "I always focus on instilling confidence on youngartists and encouraging them to help them develop their unique individuality as an artist.

The students can benefit greatly by being tutored by a skilled art tutor who can introduce them to the varied art media as well as the basic techniques of art."

Creativity

Fuelled by flames of creativity, she draws her inspirations from nature and life around her. She is drawn to the vibrant colours of nature and loves sketching paintings that capture the fascinating facets of bird life and aesthetic essence of flowers.

She enjoys painting portraits, landscapes, seascapes and also blends her aesthetic charms into abstracts and semi abstracts using acrylics and oils. She also uses water colours, pastels, charcoal and graphite in creating her art.

A passionate art student since her younger days, she benefited greatly from the mentorship that was offered to her by the teachers of the Nairobi Academy in Kenya and Open College of Art Barnsley where she studied Art and Design followed by a stint at Three Dimensional Design at Cardiff Open University in the United Kingdom.

Her teaching career was launched in Cardiff where she taught a multi-racial group of students including Welsh nationals and SriLankan students.

Her debut exhibition which was held in 1993 at Cardiff displayed a range of paintings that were done with oils, water colour and acrylics.

She is also an enthusiast in commercial art. Her recent work was displayed at Katunayake International Airport throughout all lounges including VIP lounges and boarding gates.