Ballpoint Pens roll paintings onto paper
After viewing a collection of ballpoint art done recently by Chandana Ranaweera, I found that he has improved by leaps and bounds in his chosen field of creative art. His recent sketches of Gods, lovers, raban players, drummers, dancers, funny faces of men and women, decorations, waves, houses, trees, shapes and lines, boats and tripods remind me of what Franz Kafka said about Picasso’s’ art: “Picasso only registers the deformities which have not yet penetrated our consciousness. Art is a mirror which goes ‘fast’ like a watch - sometimes.”
Having viewed the paintings of a wide range of Sri Lankan and foreign artists, I feel Chandana belongs to a class of his own. This is because he has not attempted to copy the style of other artists. He has evolved his own style using only ballpoint pens of different colours. More than a decade ago, I reviewed his exhibition of paintings held in Colombo. At that time I referred to him as a ballpoint artist - pure and simple. However, I find that he has widened his horizon subject-wise and created marvellous pieces of art which appeal more to the brain than to the heart.
Having taught art as a school teacher, Chandana devotes his time and energy to give vent to his pentup feelings. I have not seen any of his watercolour, oil or acrylic paintings. He seems to be wedded to ballpoint pens leaving aside tile palette and the brush. An artist need not necessarily depend on traditional materials such as watercolours, acrylic or oil paint. A creative artist should be able to use a pen, pencil or even a piece of charcoal to give expression to his feelings.
Living away from the bustling city of Colombo and its suburbs, Chandana is not in a position to hold regular exhibitions of his paintings. It does not mean that he should give up his vocation. As a genuine artist he breaks new grounds every time he puts his ballpoint pens to paper. Some of his creations show his inner feelings about art in a fast changing world where almost everybody is running behind fame and power. His “Hatharestvuniso” (Square Man) has a touch of Picasso’s style. It has-been done with a black ballpoint pen reminding the viewer that man’s life is mysterious to a point. He has captured man’s sufferings too in the painting.
His painting titlted “Drummers” has a close resemblance to modern art. There seems to be two drummers playing two different drums. What he emphasises is the harmony of the two drummers although they are two separate individuals. Here again, the artist appears to have been influenced by Picasso.
The painting titled. Mayura Matha Deviyo” (God on Peacock) shows the importance of the innocent bird for the survival of the God. He carries a tripod symbolically to punish wrongdoers. The peacock carries the God on his back like any beast of burden it is a pity that those who pray to the God do not appreciate the service rendered by the peacock.
Chandana has created something novel in his painting aptly titled “Trees” which shine in the moonlight. The trees appear to be having a harmonious relationship with the moon which looks down majestically.
“Boats in the Sea” captivates the viewer’s attention for two reasons. The boats are drifting in the sea. They are not rowed by anyone. Sometimes human life too is somewhat akin to the boats floating in the sea. Secondly, the half-moon depicts the time of the day. It is clear that the boats are drifting aimlessly at night. It shows the uncertainty of human life. The painting titled “Hamuvu Sathuta” (Pleasure of Meeting) shows two women happily discussing something of mutual interest. One woman is carrying a clay pot indicating that they are going to fetch water from a well or river. One woman’s raised hand shows the degree of happiness and the other woman seems to acknowledge it. With simple lines Chandana has created a thing of beauty which will last forever.
I was particularly impressed by his painting titled “Apartments.” We are living in an era of booming industry of putting up apartments all over the country. They are quite comfortable according to modern standards. They are also quite safe places to live with 24-hour security and CCTV surveillance. The painter seems to be asking: Don’t they look like chicken coops!
A creative artist should be able to use a pen, pencil or even a piece of charcoal to give expression to his feelings.