‘Zen – the Essence of Japanese Beauty’ solo exhibition by master artist Dr. H.A. Karunaratne

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, an inaugural ceremony of a solo exhibition by the master artist Dr. H.A. Karunaratne, ‘Zen – the Essence of Japanese Beauty’, was held recently at Gallery FourLife in Colombo 5.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave a warm blessing for the success of the exhibition.

Prior to the exhibition Dr. H.A. Karunaratne, at the ceremony held at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki was decorated with ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’ for the great contribution that Dr. Karunaratne has made in 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, one of the 13 schools of Buddhism in Japan, from where the essence of Japanese beauty originates, and connected the hearts of the two peoples through his incessant quest of “soul-searching”.