Master artist Dr. H.A. Karunaratne receives Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

• To hold solo exhibition from 8-14 March at Gallery Four Life in Colombo 5

 

Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki this week conferred ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’ on acclaimed artist Dr. H.A. Karunaratne.

Dr. Karunaratne made a distinguished contribution to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka through deepening the essence of art and culture.

Dr. Karunaratne had mastered printmaking at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, the premier art institute in Japan, under the prestigious Japanese Government Scholarship in early 1960s. He was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Zen, from where the essence of Japanese beauty originates, and connected the hearts of the two peoples through his incessant quest of ‘soul-searching’.

Ambassador Mizukoshi expressed his whole-hearted congratulations by stating, “Dr. Karunaratne’s world is in the deepest sphere of our soul where words cannot reach, and it is indeed in the greater depth as such that the pure and lasting bond of friendship can be forged.”

Dr. Karunaratne, in return, appreciated that, stating, “Art is my heart and soul, and I’m happy that the sensitive strokes and creativity of my work have played a significant role in strengthening the friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka. I quote: ‘Aesthetic pleasure is the philosophical reflection of truth, beauty is truth, truth beauty’.”

The Embassy of Japan highly commended Dr. Karunartne’s invaluable contribution to creating beautiful harmony between Japan and Sri Lanka, and warmly congratulated him on the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

To commemorate Dr. Karunaratne’s lifetime achievement, as well as celebrating the great milestone that the two countries have marked this year, the Embassy of Japan will organise a solo exhibition ‘Zen – the Essence of Japanese Beauty’ in honour of Dr. H.A. Karunaratne, from 8-14 March at Gallery Four Life in Colombo 5. Respected readerships are cordially invited for the exhibition, where more than 40 works of the master artist will be presented for public viewing.