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Kalapathi Renuka Dias:
An artist inspired by nature
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Renuka Dias |
The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Following that
aphorism Kalapathi Renuka Dias strides like a colossus in the art world
dominated by men. Her simple habits and winning smile are sure to break
down all defences. Even in her early childhood Renuka Dias showed signs
of creativity.
During her school days at St. Anthony's Balika Maha Vidyalaya and
St.Joseph's Balika
Maha Vidyalaya, Colombo she won many awards in art
competitions. After passing the GCE O'Level examination she joined the
art classes conducted by the Ceylon Society of Arts, Colombo and
completed a three-year course in drawing, painting and sculpture. She
was fortunate to receive her art training under the eminent teachers
such as Kalapathi Sunil Luxman and Wilfred Deheragoda.
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A village scene |
Renuka hails from Panadura and belongs to the post Independence
generation of Sri Lankan artists for whom the free education system
provided access to a course of modern aesthetic studies. Despite the
heavy odds she faced as a painter her determination and boundless
confidence helped her to create her paintings.
Renuka recreates scenes in their simplest forms on her canvas.
Nature has been her greatest inspiration. Whether it is a lonely
fisherman at his work or an ordinary farmer plodding home Renuka Dias
brings out the beauty and richness of ordinary people and the landscape.
Oil painting is her speciality but she is versatile in the wider use
of techniques. She uses acrylic and water-colours as the medium. She has
held many exhibitions in Sri Lanka and become one of the most popular
artists and architects in Sri Lanka.
She lends her hand actively in promoting art whether it is in Sri
Lanka or abroad.
Having proved her mastery in painting Renuka has turned her hand to
another branch of art, sculpture.
Her first solo art exhibition 'Lines and Colours' organised by the
Ceylon Society of Arts was a tremendous success. Renuka infused into her
pictures richness of green, red, blue and yellow with brisk brush
strokes.
Renuka Dias is a realist with a lot of imagination. Her art is alive
and flawless. Her paintings also include historic Buddhist temples,
Hindu Kovils, churches and village scenes.
She was awarded the Kalapathi title for her dedication to Art. Later
she became the Assistant Secretary of the Ceylon Society of Arts.
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