Pleasant surprise for art lovers

By Kalakeerthi Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa

Jayasiri Semage's latest exhibition of paintings will be held from September 15 to 30 at the Semage Art Gallery, Lilian Avenue, Station Rd, Mt. Lavinia.

An artist who recreates history with brush and palette is indeed a rare phenomenon. For this specific creative personality, initiating rare efforts is very much a routine matter.

Over the years, he has displayed a talent for uniqueness of expression: Once in Oman, he prepared the essentials for an exhibition of his art. Though the display was on invitation, at the sight of some of his paintings, the organisers could not help but find themselves in a state of shock.

On ethical grounds, they vehemently objected to the display of some of the nudes he had painted. Unfazed by this taboo, artist Jayasiri Semage, robed his women in diaphanous attire and overcame the crisis.

The artwork was accepted and the bare torsos of the women in the paintings could appear before the spectators without disturbing the codes of ethics. The aesthetic portrayal of the beauty of the female figures is a marked steps in his art.

That explains why he overcame the strong objections of the organisations in Oman and made his comely maidens show themselves to those orthodox viewers, clad in gossamer attire. The exhibition proved an impressive success.

Surprise

Artist Kalasuri Dr. Jayasiri Semage has forged ahead overcoming all obstacles in his path towards higher reaches of achievement. He has always been ahead of the others, in the pursuit of artistic goals. In his latest collection of exquisite creations, he blazed a trail that most artists could not tread. This pioneer artist is now ready to provide a pleasant surprise to lovers of art both here and abroad with his latest collection of creative gems.

In the present collection, he has assiduously converted the studio into a renowned gallery of Sri Lankan history, delving into the prestigious uninterrupted chronicle of our island's history - The Mahawamsa and Chulawamsa (Major Dynasty and Minor Dynasty).

Artist Semage has extracted to dramatic episodes from our picturesque past and has transformed them into a fascinating series of impactful artistic creations. His focus on the past and his inclination to select themes from those historical eras, indeed, intrigued me considerably.

Formulating all my hesitations into a pointed question, I asked him: "In the modern world we inhabit, we come upon, myriads of subject - matter that are unquestionably fit to be the themes of exquisite works of art. In such a context, what has made you explore the past and derive themes from those by-gone days?"

Response

Artist Semage's response to my query was disarmingly simple. He said, "Most artistic reactions are aesthetic. I thought that if we turned to history we will be aesthetic and functional. When we depict a historical era the men, women, palaces and gardens are breathtakingly beautiful. Along with that aesthetic pleasure these outstanding historical events and episodes make the viewers, especially the younger generation including school children, take a pride in our historical and cultural heritage.

The viewers of these historical paintings come to know vividly how the past has contributed vastly to create our nationhood. We acquire awe and feel a profound sense of gratitude towards those who built our destiny."

This way artist Semage's current display provides viewers an entry into those past heroic and epic eras.

When you view artist Semage's history in canvas, the past begins to come alive. Those ages when such rulers as Gamini held sway become breathing, palpitating realities. Through the skill of his imagination and art, artist Semage makes us meet Queen Viharamaha Devi and King Kavantissa, the latter been the peace-loving ruler who attempted to discourage his brave son, Prince Gamini, from waging war to win freedom.

Tour

Outstanding artist Semage takes you on a conducted tour to peaceful and tranquil eras as well. You experience a religious joy, when you witness Arahat Mahinda with his subordinates and disciplined companions appearing serenely before you. To my mind, this historic gallery created by artist Semage's versatile brush is very much timely. Those who derive an aesthetic pleasure through these works simultaneously imbibe an elevating sense of patriotism. To me, the most outstanding aspect of this "Historical Gallery" is that it never generates anti-human sentiments. It does not even vestigially provoke a viewer to anger, hatred, indignation or envy. On the other hand, the collection of paintings as a whole spreads love, harmony and aspiration towards higher human values. The creative techniques employed by this art guru enables the aspiring artists to enter into a "living school of art." The latest collection by Kalasuri Dr. Jayasiri Semage is a vivid, living and eloquent sermon, inculcating a sense of humanity in all the ardent viewers. The spectator gets back with a creative fervour enlivening his total being.