Taking viewers on a journey of the beauty of Sri Lanka

Beautyis born in the imagination. “Imagine”, an exhibition of works by Rhuani Rambukwella and 34 students from her art school, Hardy Centre of Art, on at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre this weekend, spotlights the beauty of Sri Lanka.

‘Imagine’ is about Sri Lanka, says Rhuani, who is showing 30 of her own works at the show. “Sri Lanka is a subject that I am immensely passionate about and in my works, I imagine Sri Lanka as a beautiful painting. Art transports the viewer, and so through my work I transport viewers to the beauty of this country, so that they not only just look at but delve in and experience it. I always imagine Sri Lanka as one of the greatest nations in the world and one that is very beautiful.”

Rhuani’s students are tri-generational, ranging from grandmothers to parents and young children. “Art is therapeutic,” Rhuani says. “I have found that art brings unity, people come together for a common purpose and so there is bonding. Art also heals. I’ve asked parents to send their kids for art classes during the exams, and I have found that those who come during the exam period do better than those who do not because they are more relaxed.”

The works on display range from the abstract, to more structured works such as seascapes, figures and images of places in Sri Lanka. Each artist presents three artworks and one painting on glass, somewhat like stained glass.

Imagine is on until tomorrow at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.