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| Sunday, 10 August 2003 |
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Priyantha Weerasooriya's paintings: Remarkable in style and technique by Neomi Kodikara
A painting is like a poem; which does not just make the eye see on the surface of things but allows a discerning viewer to discover hidden interpretations. "Understanding abstract depends upon a viewer's depth of knowledge about artistic practices and individual feelings," says Priyantha Weerasooriya, the artist behind the paintings. These figures and forms with no direct reference to external or perceived reality are what Priyantha has put on canvas, but they have certainly broadened the effect of expressionism. Abstract rhythms of paint poured on canvas, voice an array of expressions of love and suppression. They communicate the unspeakable aspects of human experience and stretch the limits of language and experience. The art of painting, to him is a spontaneous assertion of his individualism. "Words I wanted to yell out, stifling emotions I find hard to express, finally blended with strokes of colour and poured on the canvas." 'Silibi', is one such work where Priyantha peers into the mind of a village girl, who is standing at a doorpost staring afar. She too has dreams in life, her own likes and dislikes; but expressing herself is taboo, controlled by so called traditions, attitudes and beliefs of society.
This emotional imprisonment tinges almost every work. Priyantha's first exhibition was held in 2002 when he had had no formal training in art. However his inborn talent earned him opportunities to explore the world of art. His earlier preoccupation, spirituality (Buddhist philosophy) has taken a new route in his third exhibition which recently ended at Fenomenal Gallery, Galle Face Court 1, Colombo 3. Here he had moved towards a more earthly theme; love. Priyantha attributes his change, to his experiences during a six month stay in London. He had his second exhibition at an art festival in 2002 in the UK. Every painting displayed is intertwined with themes of love and suppression. "They are the different facets of love I saw in people's lives. There may be a shade of my feelings and spirit conveyed in the works," he says. While depicting the beauty of love he also tries to portray common attitudes to love.
The repeatedly used media are clay, charcoal and acrylic paint. He has confined himself to earthy colours, shades of brown and black which, according to him help to convey his inner being. Although the style he has embraced is abstract, there is a remarkable diversity in expression, style and technique.
Twenty-five-year-old Priyantha has been painting for nearly four years. Born in Yatawaka, a village off Nittambuwa he has had his basic education at Urapola Central College. "When I look back, I owe it to people like Sujeewa Fernando, Ravi Wickramanayake, Steve Alston, Dominic Sansoni, Mohan, Hema Naleen Karunaratne (and so many others) who lent me a helping hand to come this far". Priyantha recalls the turning point in his life, "At my first exhibition at Crescat Boulevard, I met Steve Alston, a Britisher who helped me to study at Camberwell College of Art in the UK," he says with gratitude. Priyantha too wishes to help upcoming artists in remote areas. "That is where the true talent is found," he says. |
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