| Bachelor of Fine Arts of the Institute of
Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sanjeewa Kumara had his first exhibition at the
Alliance Francaise in Kandy in 1996. Since then the artist has had a string of
successful showings both here and abroad. However it was in 1999 that Sanjeewa
Kumara came to be recognised for his work through the exhibition that he held at Paradise
Road Galleries. His present exhibition is mostly based on fantasy executed in luminous
colour and stands apart from many other artists, specially his contemporaries from his
university days.
His transformation to his present state of style probably occurred after his stint In
the Netherlands where he attended the Dutch Art Institute in Enschede and successfully
obtained a Masters in Fine Arts.
Sanjeeewa was also able to show most of his work at a couple of exhibitions in the
Netherlands and in a few European countries.
In 2004 the artist participated in the Triangle Artists Workshop held in the USA which
also further enhanced his career, even though the New York experience was very recent the
present collection that is being shown in Colombo has absorbed into it many whimsical
aspects of American society. His participation in the "Visva Karma"
culture forum in Rheine, Germany was another refreshing experience in Sanjeewa's life as a
career artist.
Sanjeewa's images worked upon in bright shades of colour stands out as his own style
owing to his special palette of hues, working within two different mood swings, painting
rather small images in fine detail with brush work creating filigree patterns at one time
(Uncanny Personality, 62 x 83 cm,oils on canvas) and bold brush work covering larger areas
(Synthetic Room, 57 x 27 cm, oils on canvas) the artist ha still maintained his style
which is mostly attributions through colour.
His other works ( Midnight Flower, 64 x 101 cm, oil on canvas and Silent Deejay 52 x 68
cm, oil on canvas) too has swung from one end of being finely detailed to bold patches
which makes Sanjeewa's work interesting as that of an artist who seem to be between a
kaleidoscope of colour and the need to persuade his brush to express stronger lines and
energetic forms. The artist has had many exhibitions sole and with groups both here
and abroad and has been commissioned for various projects while actively participating in
many workshops and residence exercises. Sanjeewa Kumara is at present a Visiting
Lecturer at the University of Kelanlya
The artist's present exhibition, his 11th solo, currently on at Paradise Road
Galleries, Alfred House Road, Colombo 3, will continue until the 8th of June 2005, from 10
am to midnight each day.
Prasad Abu Bakr
Daily News |
