‘Escapes’ by Chathurika Jayani

Paradise Road Galleries will open an exhibition of paintings featuring artist Chathurika Jayani on 11 February. Born in 1984 in Colombo, Chathurika is an emerging contemporary artist who is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail in her landscapes focusing on those beyond the norm such as Colombo slums and the less aesthetically pleasing urban landscapes more present in contemporary Colombo. The artist uses mixed mediums such as cardboard and corrugated board to create three-dimensional imagery on two dimensional board and canvas. 

What is the inspiration behind Escapes?

The title Escapes is argumentative and has different perceptions, which are based on personal aspects. In this series of paintings, my attempt was to capture bolts of freedom in the lives of people who live very simple lives, in my own way. Though they lack facilities, luxuries or wealth, their atmosphere is full of colours. Their shelters, clothes and festive decorations are, despite this, bright and colourful. These colours are placed over them, wrapping a part of their life that is otherwise left in darkness. 

This series is the continuation of my previous exhibition Slums, where I began creating colourful surfaces. 

How do you see yourself in comparison to other local contemporary artists? 

Every human has his own way of thinking and is used to living accordingly. We artists too have differences in our techniques, concepts and styles. Therefore, I prefer expressing my artistic thinking in a way that is unique to myself. When I create something, I often try to construct it with different textures. As Sri Lankan artists, when we compare ourselves, we contain both similarities and differences. So when comparing myself with other local artists, I believe I stand on a different stage in texture making. 

On the other hand, I use non-traditional materials such as wood, corrugated board, cardboard, tissues and handmade paper with colours to build the surface. Sometimes I use a gas torch burner on the surface.

The exhibition will remain open until 9 March at Paradise Road Galleries, 2 Alfred House Road Colombo 03, T +94 11 2582162, E [email protected].

Open daily 10 a.m. to midnight.