AXIS MUNDI
Nihal Senerathne’s debut art exhibition
For Nihal Senerathne, his venture into art happened late in life, when he was forty years old. Having survived a plethora of trials and tribulations growing up, Nihal discovered his true calling when he attended an art therapy class by Counsellor Indrani Wijesundara. His triumphs at this art form have come into fruition and he looks forward to hosting his very first exhibition, Axis Mundi. The Daily Mirror Life caught up with Nihal to learn more about his exhibition.
Q TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born and raised Narahenpita and I am the youngest of six children. Colombo was different at that time we didn’t have lush gardens or trees or a decent environment. As a child I saw only the hardship of the life, buildings, endless houses and streets filled with dust and garbage.
I don’t come from an artistic background or have a formal education in art but, I was always drawing everywhere on whatever I could find. When I grew up; just like all the other children I had forgotten about my art. It was much later in life I rediscovered my passion, and haven’t looked back since.
Q WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO ART?
10 years ago I wanted to study psychology and I got the chance to attend Senior Counsellor Indrani Wijesundara’s art therapy classes. Here, I found that painting is a great source of relief for many questions in life. I also noticed that I am filled with a vivid imagination. Learning to explore this imagination has contributed to my style of art.
Q HAVE YOU STUDIED ART ANYWHERE? OR ARE YOU SELF-TAUGHT?
Mostly, I am a self-taught. I had the opportunity to attend Anoma Wijewardhana’s art classes for a few months and learn the basics. This was my foundation to art and it started in me; an intense urge to paint and draw. I worked hard day and night, watching Youtube videos and looking at other artists’ work to further develop my skill.
Q WHAT KIND OF ART DO YOU PREFER?
I like line drawings and abstract art but, I experiment with all styles of painting. I go for what makes me happy influenced by the mood and situation.
Q WHAT IS THE MEDIUM YOU USE?
I like mixing mediums a lot. It can be watercolour with ink, with acrylic with something I discovered recently. I will use whatever I can find to express my inner feelings. As an example, sometimes I use beeswax for my paintings which creates very interesting textures and effects.
Q WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ART?
I try to showcase the beauty of life and sometimes with a comical undertone. It stems from my imaginations and delusions. I start by digging into the personality or situation of a subject. In my mind I try to explore lesser noticed aspects of the subject and bring this to life.
I am also inspired by the eroticism and use of mixed media by Gustav Klimt and the vibrant idiosyncratic style of Niki de Saint Phalle. Also, the world is open for everyone through the internet and we can see the other artists’ work from Europe to Asia and I learn a lot of things from them.
Q TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE EXHIBITION. WHAT IS THE THEME?
The exhibition is titled AXIS MUNDI, which is a Greek word, describing a line through the earth’s centre connecting its surface to the underworld and the heavens. I will be presenting my interpretations of Gods, Goddesses and other mythical beings who pass through the “Axis Mundi”. I have tried to re-imagine these deities staying away from conventional interpretation. The art is an attempt to explore their flaws and give meaning to the meaningless; even humanising them to understand their real form which sometimes we fear to cite.