The maiden art exhibition of the Sittarunge Paradeesaya Group will be held at the J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery on July 29 and 30. It will be opened in the morning of July 29.
The Sittarunge Paradeesaya Group is a gathering of artists from all over Sri Lanka who have been associated with the Facebook Art Group titled the “Sittarunge Paradeesaya.” This is the first art exhibition organized by the membership of a Facebook Art Group in Sri Lanka.
The exhibition features 175 paintings done by 34 of the artists in the group and the mediums, techniques used, themes, colour schemes show a wide variety. The art work in display includes portraits, figures, still life work, landscapes and abstract art. The Group has called for art works and made a selection within the widest scopes to provide a wide choice for viewers. The artists range in age, experience in the field and include some who have had individual exhibitions, participated in group exhibitions, and those exhibiting their work for the first time. The exhibition will introduce new and talented artists to the public.
The Sittarunge Paradeesaya FB Art Group was started on August 12, 2014 with a membership of 76 and has grown to a membership of nearly 32,000 at present. The Group was floated with the aim of providing a space for talented Sri Lankans to display their work, but has a number of foreign artists too as members at present. The Group includes a significant number of artists as well as a greater number of those interested in art. They get the largest number of art works to display daily, in a wide range of mediums, using varied techniques and in different themes. A basic guideline is that anyone can put their work in the Group without fear of being subjected to any embarrassing or degrading comments. The panel of Administrators has been continuously diligent in maintaining quality, which is one reason for its success. In addition, the FB Group has been the first art group in the FB to conduct free workshops for interested members. It hopes to create more awareness and appreciation for artists who have been engaged in art work in Sri Lanka and encourage others to take up art as a vocation, hobby or a part time occupation.