An art exhibition titled ‘Swabhavi 3’ will be held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 7 on July 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2018 from 9.30 a.m to 8.00 p.m. The exhibition is conducted by artist, photographer and sculptor, Priyantha Abeysundara.
The exhibition will showcase the spectacular cultural heritage, beauty and simplicity of the traditional lifestyle of the people of Sri Lanka through paintings. All structures which are great and small have been lined to create a truly inspiring show. In an interview with the Sunday Observer artist, Priyantha Abeysundara said that the exhibition is titled ‘Swabhavi 3’ as it is his third exhibition which is interconnected to nature and his talent.
 Priyantha Abeysundara |
“The people in my paintings speak of the reality of life in this island. Most of my drawings are based on folk life and imaginary scenery and activities of people,” Abeysundara said.
He says that this exhibition will also be of educational value to school children living in Colombo and its suburbs to observe and learn the beauty of living in a rural village with a very low carbon footprint.
“Some pictures convey the wonder, drama and beauty of life in the island. I believe that this exhibition will attract both locals and foreigners. Children from selected schools will be invited to visit the exhibition. I hope it will be truly inspirational,” he added.
Artist Abeysundara sees himself as an observer of traditional culture and his detailed paintings document collapse of the traditional way of life. Through his paintings, he will take you back in time to see the beauty, serenity and simplicity of life in the village. He does line drawings and oil paintings. The cultural memory and inner world of dreams are made to contend with a utopian environment.
Working in oils and canvas, he uses the rich tones that oils provide to give his paintings a strong physical presence. That presence is enhanced by his skill at rendering life like figures and his sharp eye for manipulating curves, dimensions and proportions which often create a sense of familiarity and certainty.
The artist works and lives in Sri Lanka. He entered the University of Visual and Performing Arts in 1986 specializing in Art and Sculpture and graduated in 1990 with colours.
Abeysundara had worked in many industries and his paintings depict creating skills from public sector and private sector spanning three decades.
Abeysundara has won many accolades in many art forms including photography. He is a life member of the National Photographic Art Society and is a regular contributor to the Academy of Fine Arts.
Currently Abeysundara conducts Art classes at Fonseka Place, Bambalapitiya for adults and school students.
You can contact him on 0777416669.