 KIN WILD 2009 - Wildlife Art Exhibition
 A dazzling and exciting range of colours were portrayed by the Young
Zoologists’ Association (YZA) association recently. Eloquently titled
the ‘Kin Wild 2009’, it was a magnificent exhibition on wildlife
paintings and sketches by the YZA held at the British Council
Auditorium. The ‘Kin Wild 2009’ showcased the best of Mother Nature in
an attempt to better understand the richness of nature’s bounty and
respecting the environment.
The creations were all done painstakingly by the YZA members who
completed their training course on Wildlife Art conducted by the
Association. With an aim to uplift wildlife art among the younger
generation, this was the 16th exhibition and only Wildlife Art
exhibition that was held in Sri Lanka continuously for over ten years.
The artistic masterpieces fashioned by these enthusiastic nature
lovers are of fine repute which can enlighten the public about learning
the best of wildlife in their own country. It isn’t easy to capture
wildlife in any artistic medium.
Be it pastel, oil on canvas or water colours, drawing wildlife is a
formidable task only possible in the eyes of a patient artist. A
wildlife artist should have the first hand knowledge pertaining to the
characteristics of an animal, in order to do a complete drawing.
However, YZA members gain the opportunity to study different wildlife
groups via regular educational programs conducted every Sunday afternoon
at the Dehiwela National Zoo.
 Malaka Rodrigo of the YZA said that it was difficult to determine
which creation took the longest and shortest to produce. He said,
“Wildlife is different from other arts as you need to consider many
facts. For example, you can’t draw a bird that inhabits the dry zone on
a rainforest background hence it is a wildlife artist who needs to have
that kind of background knowledge.”
This fact rings true because every painting, from the Lesser Flamingo
to the angry Otter’s face, takes total concentration to effectively
reveal an animal. The YZA are categorised into five study groups
segmented into birds, mammals, reptiles, aquatic life and flora.
Student members can get the chance to specialise in their chosen area
of animals along with their behaviour. Regular field visits to the
national parks and wilderness allow them to observe the secret lives of
wildlife in their natural habitats besides being in captivity.
 Furthermore, wildlife photography and art classes are conducted as
special study groups held on Sunday mornings. The YZA’s annual
photographic exhibition “Young Eye on Nature 2009” was conducted a few
months ago. The Young Zoologists’ Association was established in 1972 by
former Zoo Director and renowned conservationist Lyn de Alwis, who saw
the need to promote an interest in the study and conservation of nature
among young people.
Lyn de Alwis who was an epitome of society setting the example for
others to follow, passed away just a few weeks ago. YZA also dedicates
KIN WILD to the name of its founder Lyn de Alwis as a tribute to his
great service. Over 100 of paintings were displayed at the Exhibition
that was hosted with the kind assistance of the British Council.
- ND
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