Capturing nature’s colours and shapes
“I can’t say that I’m entirely self-taught because it’s in my genes, it all comes from my family,” says artist and sculptor, Geetha Senewiratne. A recipient of the Presidential award for the best sculpture titled ‘Dushkarakriya” at the 79th annual exhibition of the Ceylon Society of Arts in 1983, she credits her family for her creative capabilities. Growing up she admired her mother who played several musical instruments and her grandmother and older brother who were artists themselves.
Enamoured with art since early childhood, Geetha committed to painting at 16 and began her professional career as an artist at 18 after completing her education at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya.
In 1973 she was mentored by eminent children’s writer and illustrator, Sybil Wettasinghe, who she remembers as one of her major influences and received further training under renowned painter, Gate Mudliyar A. C. G. S. Amarasekera. Geetha has since exhibited her work both locally and internationally including in New Delhi, Japan and Bulgaria in the past. This upcoming exhibition marks her 11th solo exhibition as well as her 50th year as a professional artist
Titled ‘Strokes of Serenity’, the exhibition will feature 50 paintings, oil on canvas works and line drawings. The collection depicts scenes from nature, animal life and local themes in bold and skilfully blended colours and ranges in style from traditional to abstract. “I am a nature lover, when I saw a plant, even when I was younger, I would look at the leaves and wonder how these colours were created and recreate them in my own style,” says Geetha. Blooming flora of all kinds take shape on her canvas, mainly drawn during her time travelling through picturesque locales such as Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. The collection was completed over the course of two years.
An experienced interior designer, much of her work has also been commissioned by offices and hotels. Geetha has also received the state honour of ‘Kalabooshana’, awarded for her immense contribution to art.
Having enjoyed a career as an art teacher during the 1970’s at Highlands College, Nugegoda, Geetha now conducts art classes at her home.
‘Strokes of Serenity’ will be held at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on November 12 and 13 from 9 a.m to 8 p.m.