Rasika wants to reach out through his art

Disappointed by the lack of appreciation for art in Sri Lanka, artist Rasika de Silva feels if people do not go to see art exhibitions, then the exhibition should come to them. Determined to reach out to a segment of society that would not have a chance to appreciate art, his latest exhibition ‘Nature and Humanity’ will be on from today until Tuesday, July 31 at the Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Centre in Welikanda.

Pointing out that the 400 people in this centre grew up only knowing the war he said, “They grew up seeing soldiers, fearing for their lives and listening to bombs falling around them. Their culture is different and the way they live is too. In order to help them we have to first understand them.” He believes that one can touch another’s heart through art.

The eldest of a family of six siblings, all of whom are not into art, Rasika continued his love affair with his paintbrush much to the disappointment of his parents. “Art is a way of living. It brings peace to my soul. I want to live a contented life,” he said.

Studying art at Kandegoda Maha Vidyalaya, Ambalangoda, he went on to Sharadha Kala Nikethanaya in Colombo. He is now an Administrative Executive at a company in Colombo but whenever he gets the chance to go and see an exhibition he will not hesitate to do so, so that he can study and learn what other artists have to say. He has also participated in many art exhibitions.

Rasika is grateful to Brigadier Dharshana Hettiarachchi, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, the Bureau of Rhabilitation and the students of Eastern University, Batticaloa, for their help.