I’m delighted to be a part of Sri Lanka’s first Art Biennale and grateful to Annoushka Hempel for giving me this opportunity. 50 artists are participating in the Colombo Art Biennale, displaying their work over 14,000 sqft of space. In addition there are 25 other locations which will act as satellites to the main event and have mini-shows. You can read more about the event on their website here.
The theme for this years biennale is “Imagining Peace”
Peace – to encourage peace between and within nations, communities, families and individuals. This is not so much about showcasing Sri Lankan art; this is a project with a vision. This is to show the world that despite the fact that Sri Lanka is a seemingly politically, ethnically polarized society, artists can work together as collectives, a sign of peace in itself. “Imagining Peace”- Imagining that people can work together. Source : CAB Mission
I believe that for sustained peace we need to shake off the past and move ahead. The lotus flower amongst other things symbolizes peace. It is a beautiful representation of the indomitable and pure human spirit that has the ability to rise above the mud and murky waters to bloom into its pristine beauty. The prospect of peace, unknown beyond past darkness is just as thrilling. This has been the inspiration for the piece “Rise above the Past”
“Rise above the Past” 36″ X 48″ Acrylic on canvas.
Annoushka Hempel is curating the work of 3 artists including me and you can read more about it in this clipping which appeared in The Daily Mirror this morning.
Maya 
Your painting is beautiful and what a great theme for artists. Wish I were there to see the exhibit in person. Congratulations!
thank you. wish you could be here too. they’ve put in a lot of hard work and the show looks great.
Well done!
I hope it’s a great success and love that painting :>)
Love that painting. Took a photo of it myself. here are my photos on art biennale at following link,
http://u4j10.wordpress.com/category/art-biennale-2009/page/1/
Regards.
thank you vivien. dont know how i missed seeing your comment.
u4j10 – thank you very much. love your photographs especially of the jana karaliya.
Will you be exhibiting in sri lanka any time soon? 🙂
u4j10 – no immediate plans 😀
As usual I am running about a month behind. This is a great post and great painting. You seem to traveling a lot? Will catch up with you when we can.
Bob
Thank you : ) we moved to colombo a few months back and i’m on my first visit back to dhaka. Since i was coming all the way to dhaka, i planned for calcutta, bombay and goa as well 😛 i’m not carrying my art supplies this time around but i’m 7 wks into the julia cameron 12 wk journaling program and enjoying the reading and writing.
Hello again,
This is very nice..very impressive. I hope all is well with you. Happy holidays to you.
Regards,
Carl
LOVELY paintings, Ujwala. Came across your blog and work through Indiblogger, and love the depth in your work.
thank you ambika! enjoyed going through your blog too. waiting to get back to blogging 🙂