Traditional art served by subversive technique

Friday, 14 November 2014 02:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

When you speak to the artist Chandana Ranaweera and listen to him, it is obvious that he has a lot to express through the language he feels most comfortable in his paintings. All his energy is spent in accurately perceiving the world around him an in conveying this perception to others: the world of contemplation and thought ‘Samadhichintana’ – through the soft colour of his creation which are directly inspired by temple rituals, wall paintings and Buddhist shrines. “I get my ideas for paintings especially on Poya days after visiting the temple,” he explains. “I want to give a message of what are good and make people aware of the mistakes they are making.” Each of his paintings is full of scope for meditation and for a journey towards peace and harmony. What appears so original and fascinating is the use of the quite subversive technique of collage to depict themes and images which are deeply embedded in the purest tradition. “I have been influenced by Japanese traditions, taking inspirations from the Japanese

poems, the haikus. As regards the West, I like Picasso and the techniques which have been developed by Juan Gris,” he said.