- A bohemian art expression at the Colombo Art Gallery
“Bohemian Artelier” is an exhibition of approximately 35 mixed media paintings that aim to capture the artistic, relaxed and liberated “Bohemian style”. Speaking to Brunch, artist Nihal Senarathna explained that over 200 years ago, bohemian was a term that referred to an exotic style sense, usually associated with the artists of the time, as well as with writers and certain eccentric creative personalities. “The bohemian style is defined as an alternative type of fashion and style that is different from the mainstream trends of any given period in time. The bohemian style is laid-back, unconventional, and highly expressive. Like hippies, bohemians are free-spirited and refuse to dress in order to conform.”
One thing Senarathna highlighted was that Indian and similar South Asian cultures have had a significant influence on development of what we recognise as bohemian today, something that is often overlooked given the plethora of cultures and continents that have inspired the bohemian look. “The epitome of bohemian style is a laid-back, anything-goes look, that brings with it a rich tapestry of ethnic cultures,” Senarathna explained. “Taking inspiration from around the world, and from iconic eras, for many it is more of a lifestyle choice than a trend. According to Hindu followers, gold and silver are considered sacred metals, as gold is symbolic of the sun, and silver represents the moon. Pure gold also holds great significance to Hindus as it does not oxidise or corrode, therefore they strongly associate gold with immortality.”
The liberation of the Bohemian style drives Senarathna’s exhibition, with Senarathna adding that “Bohemian Artelier”, like all his other work, is not specific to any style or inspiration but reflects his own liberation and practice of creating only things that make him happy. Drawing influence from the Hindu influences of the Bohemian styles, he has tried to re-imagine these deities in an unconventional way. “This art is an attempt to explore their flaws and give meaning to the meaningless,” he shared. “Even humanising them to understand their real form which sometimes we fear to cite.”
While his art reflects what he’s feeling, Senarathna noted that the pandemic did not play a huge role in “Bohemian Artelier”, saying simply: “Who wants to buy our problems and difficulties and put them on their walls? Everyone is different and their problems and ways of responding are also different. In a country like Sri Lanka, most of the artists are living in hardship and trying to survive as artists, whether there is any pandemic or not, because they don’t get regular income or pensions and other resources and platforms are also very few.”
An artist who found his creative calling late in life through art therapy, for Senarathna, painting is a great source of relief for his many questions in life and an avenue to express and explore his vivid imagination through different styles and mediums. This variety of techniques makes Senarathna’s art compelling and evocative. “I go for what makes me happy, influenced by the mood and situation,” he said. “I like mixing mediums a lot. It can be water colour with ink, with acrylic, with something I discovered recently. I will use whatever I can find to express my inner feelings. As an example, sometimes I use beeswax for my paintings which creates very interesting textures and effects. I try to showcase the beauty of life and sometimes with a comical undertone. It stems from my imaginations and delusions.”
“Bohemian Artelier” will be open for viewing at the Colombo Art Gallery from 19 August. For more information please visit the Colombo Art Gallery Facebook page.