Sky Gallery presents stellar exhibition: ‘Paul Gauguin In Sri Lanka’

Hot on the heels of the immensely successful ‘Van Gogh In Sri Lanka’, the Fareed Uduman Art Forum is now presenting another Stellar Exhibition – ‘Gauguin In Sri Lanka’ at Sky Gallery from 18 to 27 August. 

A stunning collection of 45 fine museum quality canvas prints framed in the exact sizes of the originals painted by Paul Gauguin (1848-1903). The Art Forum is dedicated to bringing to the people of Sri Lanka, works of art beyond their reach, including masterpieces of great European painters whose works hang in far-away galleries and museums.

Visitors to the exhibition will be stunned by the glorious colour and the huge sizes of most of Gauguin’s paintings – that have been carefully selected from his period works of Rouen, Paris, Provencal, Martinique, Brittany, Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands. Amongst the magnificent exhibits they can view up close are iconic masterpieces like: “The Yellow Christ”, “When will you marry?”, “What news”, “Two Tahitian Women”, “What! Are You Jealous?”, “Where Are You Going?” ”Adam and Eve”, “We shall not go to market today”.

Paul Gauguin is one of the most significant French artists to be initially schooled in Impressionism, but who broke away from its fascination with the everyday world to pioneer a new style of painting broadly referred to as Symbolism.

A Gauguin ultimately proved extremely influential to 20th-century modern art, in particular that of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque and their development of Cubism. Likewise, Gauguin’s endorsement of bold color palettes would have a direct effect on the Fauvists, most notably André Derain and Henri Matisse, both of whom would frequently employ intensely resonant, emotionally expressive, and otherwise “un-realistic” colour. In his final decade, Gauguin lived in Tahiti, and subsequently Punaauia, finally making his way to the Marquesas Islands.

Fareed Uduman Art forum and Sky Gallery Director Jomo Uduman said: “There are many who may feel intimidated by art wondering if there is a kind of base level of understanding required to join the conversation. Art can be experienced fully if we stop approaching it with formality and reverence and allow ourselves to interact with it in a spontaneous way. Like with music, we should relax around art, and learn to use it as a constant source of encouragement and support, to get to know ourselves better, and understand our joys and suffering. Above all we must believe in the power of art and help free it from the straitjacket of exclusivity and give it back to all those who love it. The everyday men and women of our land.”

As a young but progressive gallery, Sky will strive to maintain flexibility by also showcasing niche and unconventional art and thus play a significant role in Sri Lanka’s art world by also providing emerging artists with opportunities to exhibit and a platform for creativity and experimentation. This philosophy of course lies grounded in a genuine love for the art community, our culture, and a willingness to shoulder the burdens that artists may face. Sky Gallery welcomes all from near and far in Sri Lanka to visit this incredible and iconic exhibition.

‘Gauguin In Sri Lanka’ will be up at Sky Gallery of the Fareed Uduman Art Forum, 65/9 Kirula Road Colombo 5, from 18 to 27 August (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). Visitors must note that there is a stairway to climb up to the gallery. Contact: 0777329596