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Sarath's
artistic interest mainly streams in two directions; on the
one hand, he searches out the sources of his art and finds
them in mythology, religion and ancient folklore. Here, the
artistic expression is characterised by luscious hedonistic
lines and by an outburst of fiery colours; on the other hand,
his interest turns towards a contemporary form of expression
- abstraction. However, one way or the other, in the form
of satire, irony or allegory, his main concern is humanity
and nature.
His
choice of colours - vibrant, bold and compelling - is arresting.
At times he allows one colour to predominate, brooding in
blue or luxuriating in bright greens and reds. The line is
strong and fluent. The impression of dripping paint and the
serrated brush work are techniques interspersed among his
canvases. For Sarath one technique or style is not enough,
he is always engaged in a restless search for fresh idioms,
new styles and original tones with which to express more beautifully
the ideas and themes he has.
It is difficult to believe that these creations have originated
from the brush - or pen - of just one man. At times they are
an amalgam of circles and other curves filled in between with
rich, expressive colours. At times they are a cluster of impressionist
splashes or roughly parallel strokes which, from a distance
reveal some familiar shape that he is subtle enough to conceal
in their midst. At times they are a composition of nothing
but delicately thin lines or etchings with ample space pervading
in all directions. At times they depict a Picasoic juxtaposition
of spirited human anatomic features. At times they are cartoons,
plain and simple, more than works of serious art.
Sarath is from a small village in the deep south of Sri Lanka
and formally studied art in Columbo, Sri Lanka, followed by
further studies at the Silpa-Korn University in Bangkok, Thailand
and The University of South Australia School of Art. He then
travelled to Europe, which proved a voyage of discovery. The
world renowned works of such masters as Picasso, Monet and
Degas became an integral part of his personality make-up.
He has had over 40 exhibitions across the globe, from Sri
Lanka to Thailand, Malaysia, West Germany, Yugoslavia, Brazil,
Japan, Bienal, Cuba, Norway, Russia and Australia.
Awards and honors
1970: First prize, Buddhist Art Exhibition
sponsored by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, Sri Lanka
1971: Prize for oli paintings, Annual Exhibition, Ceylon Society
of Art, Sri Lanka
1971: First Prize, Lenin Centenary Exhibition, Sponsored by
the Soviet Friendship Society, Colombo, Sri Lanka
1972: First Prize for oil paintings, Annual Exhibition of
the Ceylon Society of Arts, Sri Lanka
1972: Certificate of Merit for makeup and costume design,
National Drama Festival, Sri Lanka
1973: First Prize for oil paintings, Annual Exhibition of
the Ceylon Society of Arts, Sri Lanka
1974: Certificate of Merit for makeup and costume design,
National Drama Festival, Sri Lanka
1977: First Prize for oil paintings, Annual Exhibition of
the Ceylon Society of Arts, Sri Lanka
1981-83: Vice Predident, Ceylon Society of Arts, Sri Lanka
1983-95: Member of Arts Panel, Ministry of Cultural Affairs,
Sri Lanka
1985: First Prize, stage decor, Ministry of Cultural Affairs,
Sri Lanka
1985-87: Art Consultant and Set designer, Independant Television
Network, Sri Lanka
1985: Participant, Ecka Art Colony Programme, Yugoslavia
1987: Four story Mural, National Library Services Board, Colombo,
Sri Lanka
1993: Design of the Sri Lanka's Western Provincial Council
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