Jayani showcases 'Reflections in Colour'

by Mahes Perera

The great artist Renoir once said, "Greeks believe that gods visit the earth looking for love and wonderland" and this thought says Jayani Pinnawale influenced and inspired her in her expression of nature. She believes that the earth is wonderland and she is quite happy to paint, the fascinating surrounding, the life and everything beautiful on earth." These colourful expressions of nature can be appreciated at her 12th exhibition of oil paintings Reflections in Colour at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from November 26 to 28. She will also launch her second book Sangiliyum on this occasion. The first was a short Sinhala novel Apeksha.

"In the history of painting", said Jayani Pinnawale "Pablo Ruiz Picasso was the greatest artist of the 20th century. His creations are unique and invaluable. His life and experiences were visibly displayed and his creations mark the different stages of paintings the blue period, the rose period and the cubist phase which he mastered. Likewise I believe that paintings are related to oneself, one's life and the people, the enchanting nature like the sky, rivers, trees flowers and the ocean.

In every painting of mine I have one or more of these features which form part of one's life. On the other hand, paintings include man-made features such as buildings, temples, churches and bridges which could adorn one's paintings. Like in life, in painting one has to face many challenges.

For instance, an artist can face a challenge where painting a figure while to another, painting an animal is a challenge."

Drama and music

Question: In your student days at Visakha Vidyalaya you were more involved in drama and music? When did you take to painting?

Answer: "My involvement in art came much later in life. I started oil painting when I was in Rome serving as the Deputy Ambassador and the Acting Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Italy. This was during 1991-1995. I was inspired by the rich culture of Italy. Italians recognise painters and sculptors as great creators of art and respect them for their talents. I used my free time in Rome for a brief period to study painting under a British painter and teacher. My paintings were displayed at joint exhibitions at the FAO Headquarters building in Rome. My first oil painting exhibition of 30 or more exhibits was held at the Isle of Capri, the beautiful island south of Italy."

In the course of our conversation we learnt that Jayani enjoys painting with the use of different colours pleasing to the eye. Her paintings reflect her experiences abroad and travel to many countries, Asian as well as western countries such as Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. Her choice of subjects for her paintings deals with positive side of life - the expression of people, landscapes, animals, birds and flowers.

One of her paintings 'Nature's Delight was considered a masterpiece in landscape while 'Sunset of Age' and 'Helpless' conveyed effectively the feelings of human beings. "It is a challenge to come out with a good painting but once it is done, it becomes an accomplishment.

Art is beautiful, fascinating, even sad though transformed on to the canvas could produce a painting that pleases the eye," said Jayani.

Vivid expressions

Visitors to her earlier exhibitions expressed the fact that Jayani was a "most talented artist, the vivid expressions indicate the thoughtfulness with paint brush in hand always" or as a young admirer wrote in her visitors book 'Your nature paintings are as deep as the deep blue sea."

Jayani Pinnawela completed her Honours Degree at the University of Peradeniya and started her career as an Assistant Lecturer in Geography in the University of Colombo. She later joined the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and held a number of important positions in Government.

She was the first woman to be appointed Commissioner of Internal Trades, Controller of Prices and the Warden of Standards.

An active member of her school's choir, she took part in plays as well including Visakha's Geetha Natakaya.

While at Peradeniya University she acted in Prof. Sarachchandra's drama Sinhabahu. Recently she received an award from the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association recognising her creativity and contribution to art as an administrator.