Life style
Reflections of “ Van Gogh In Sri Lanka “
By Jomo Uduman
The Fareed Uduman Art Forum presented “Van Gogh In Sri Lanka” at its Sky Gallery – a collection of beautifully framed prints of the exact sizes of the originals painted by Vincent Van Gogh. A ground-breaking exhibition, that brought into focus another dimension of art lovers, humble and down to earth. Many wanted me to record this beautiful experience.
During the days of the exhibition, I recalled what Saul Bellow said in his 1976 Nobel lecture on science and art: only art can penetrate what pride, passion, intelligence and habit erect on all sides. I also remembered what Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres said: the nature of the masterpieces is not to dazzle. Their nature is to persuade, to convince, to enter into us through our pores.
And then, Pablo Picasso’s words: art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. How apt all of these sounded and reverberated around me with the conversations I had with the young and old from near and far from all walks of life. Hidden Gems of human beings moving gently around the gallery; devouring, dissecting and discovering 51 Vincent Van Gogh masterpieces in Sri Lanka- up close. On certain days over 500 people visited and there were queues forming to come in. The exhibition had to be extended by a week to accommodate all.
We were confused. How did this wave come about? Why had Van Gogh touched the hearts and souls of so many people in Sri Lanka? I spoke with people who booked train or bus tickets and came in from Jaffna, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Monaragala, Ampara, Kegalle, Negombo, Bentara. Mothers carried children up the daunting stairway to the Sky Gallery.
Older people walked up bravely with barely a huff or a puff. While some of the younger had to catch their breath. A multitude of calls came in each day inquiring how much entry tickets were and where they could book it. When told that entrance was free, they were at a loss for words, but thankful. All of them were true, simple, down to earth lovers of art whom I thought did not exist. How wrong and stereotypical I was!
They knew so much about Van Gogh, explicit details of his tortured life, his starry nights, the women he loved and lost, his beautiful sunflowers, his days with Gauguin in the yellow house and his sad tragic death at 37-years. Some carried in a hefty book that was a Sinhala translation of Irvin Stone’s book on VVG. There were incredible moments when some brought in a painting they had done the previous day of “The Starry Nights” on paper, board and even on the backs of their shirts and blouses.
Wonderful reproductions done by the youth of Sri Lanka who were obsessed with this painting and VG. I could easily say that this exhibit in the gallery was the most photographed object in Colombo! Photographs of visitors standing before it and thousands with other exhibits (videos too) flew around social media during those days, accompanied by cameo reviews of the exhibition.
What really touched us at our very deepest was their humble gratitude for helping to make this happen for them. For many it was a dream, a fantasy, a part of a rapidly lengthening bucket list, to see Van Gogh up close like this. Some hung around for three t four hours, confiding that they found it hard to leave the gallery, to leave Van Gogh. I noticed some came back many times again. The comments in the visitor’s book that grew huge by the end of the exhibition will be worth publishing one day because this will help understand the true feelings and pulse of our people (especially the youth of our land) struggling to come out from a massive crisis.
There were art teachers from far away govt schools who visited. Teachers from private art schools who brought in their students and took them around explaining each painting painstakingly but lovingly. Children who had done art projects on Van Gogh in their schools came over with their sketch pads and simply ran wild just seeing the exhibits. A University got each of their students to research an exhibit and then come over and present the painting to their colleagues. Schools brought their students and wanted us to talk to them about VG’s life and art. We gave them all the freedom to do all of this.
What was intriguing to me was that most of the young men and women who visited were science students, undergraduates and graduates, with an avid interest in art and that was phenomenal. Many of them were artists themselves and shyly showed me their paintings on their phones. I found that most were brilliant artists and promised to help them exhibit at the Art Forum I have established as a tribute to my father. Final year medical students sat before me and told me that they were very interested to learn about the feelings and emotions behind each painting. It was a great experience talking with them. Doctors to be, interested in feelings too.
Interestingly, the topic of mental illness and the stigma attached to it was discussed widely by many – who also mentioned that (sadly) this has remained unchanged from the 19th century during Van Gogh’s life and now, the 21st century. They questioned why he was only able to sell one painting during his life time but after his death they all sold for millions of dollars. There were many who said that if he had sold more paintings his mental health (and self-esteem) may have improved and the need to take his life may not have arisen. Because he was totally dependent on his brother Theo for his livelihood and this would have made his self-worth and dignity diminish.
The final take was that we must appreciate, accept and acknowledge people when they are alive and not only after their death. And importantly, the world must stop stigmatizing people with mental health concerns and treat them with empathy, understanding and compassion – which will empower resilience.
I finally understood how and why Vincent Van Gogh had touched the lives, hearts and souls of so many people in Sri Lanka.
Perhaps we can experience art fully if we stop approaching it with so much formality and reverence and allow ourselves to engage with it in a spontaneous way. Like what we do with music, we should relax around art, learning to use it as a constant source of support and encouragement, for us to know ourselves better, and understand our joys and suffering.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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