Semage's art in Kandy after 55 years!

by Prof. Chandima Wijebandara

Drawing and painting are basic and natural means of expression to human beings. Every child is born with instinctive need of expressing himself, yet, as his linguistic skills take time to develop, he is looking for ways and techniques of self expression.

As Hazel Harrison says, "Young children enjoy scribbling with a pencil or crayon as soon as they have developed sufficient manual dexterity to grip the implement, and long before they consider relating what they are doing to the world they see around them." Proving this, one boy from Ambalangoda went to school and the moment his teacher wanted him to write "Aliya' he drew a picture of an elephant.

Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage

His natural instinct did not wither away with time, as the case with many children who do not get the necessary stimulation. Even though he did not enrol himself as a student in any formal art school, he was provided with necessary stimulation by his parents, teachers and many others who noticed his inborn talents. He bagged many awards for his unique paintings even during his school days and was naturally encouraged to choose art as his living.

He has now become Sri Lanka's unofficial art ambassador to the world. He is so unique in the world of art that his creations need no signature to claim copyright. He is none other than a world famous Kalasuri Dr. Jayasiri Semage. Jayasiri Semage has many admirers all over the world - everywhere he displayed his works in solo exhibitions. He was acclaimed for his originality in spite of his strong faith in classical Ajanta-Sigiri tradition. His originality was never anti-tradition or culture-destructive. Adhering to a constructive and balanced middle path, Semage has added new lustre and glory to eastern technique of line based romantic depiction of aesthetic feelings.

European art

He did not follow the almost photographic European art imitated by his predecessors, or elusive and abstract modern artists as several young painters today, but ideologically grouped himself with talented creators such as Soilus Mendis and George Keyt.

His own unique brand was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation inspired by many oriental and occidental experiments in aesthetic painting. However, painting is so natural to Semage that it seems, to use the words of world-renowned Swiss artist Paul Klee, "taking a line for a walk".

At his exhibition held in Geneva, Switzerland, organised by the United Nations, the directors decided to have his huge oil painting titled "Rata Rakina Deth" (Hands that protect the country) for permanent display at the main hall. Visitors from all over the world appreciate how the contribution of people at work is eloquently glorified by Semage's lines and colours. To provide an opportunity of sharing the pleasant experience he has created for an international clientèle a smaller replica of that giant painting is made by Semage which will be showcased in his ongoing exhibition.

One of the exhibits

Though he had many solo exhibitions in many countries including Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Malaysia, Oman and Italy, all his local exhibitions were confined to major galleries in Colombo.

Two years ago his schoolmates arranged a show at his alma mater Dharmashoka College at Ambalangoda. "I have had many exhibitions in Colombo. Many people from remote villages thronged to see my work. Yet I had a dream of taking my art out of Colombo and provide art lovers of remote villages easy access and spend longer hours viewing them," said Semage. In fact, he remembers that he was fortunate to have an exhibition in Kandy in 1959. He was still searching for his identity those days and not internationally famous like now. He was a freelance artist at Lankadeepa and gradually making his mark in the world of art.

Nostalgic memories

The exhibition was held at Sri Pushpadana Hall, Trincomalee Street and lasted for one whole month. It was opened by the world-famous artist and art critique Prof. Siri Gunasinghe of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya. Reminiscing the nostalgic memories of that pleasant event Semage was dreaming of revisiting that era. His dream has been materialised. An opportunity came on his way to be a distinguished participant in the "Mega Festival of Arts" (Maha Kala Mangalyaya) which opened on January 3. The exhibition will conclude today.

"I am really excited over this opportunity where I will be in the company of many artists and art lovers. I hope many art lovers from villages around Kandy will come to see how I have improved over the years," he said. About 30 selected paintings of Semage will be showcased there. Several renowned Sri Lankan artists will also display their creations at the festival.