The feelings and life of the humans are linear. They walk a certain portion towards their destination and at the end, just like the lines, they too disappear. Human feelings, emotions could be presented by different sets of lines that are shaped to make human figures is the essence of the Sri Lankan artist Dr. Manoranjana Herath.
He had earned his master’s degree in sculpture and has dedicated himself to teaching this art form to numerous students. While sculpture and painting share a connection, they differ significantly in the process of composing. Sculpture involves both addition and subtraction, shaping forms through summation and negation, whereas painting focuses solely on the additive process of layering lines and colors.
His artworks on display is entitled “Untold Narratives” at The Kala Salon from December 13 to December 20, 2024. His paintings feature dynamic interplay of colors, with shapes that, upon closer examination, reveal intricate hidden images. “I absolutely admire the vibrant hues and the depth the artist brings into each canvas. The color palette is energetic and captivating. It’s truly an honor to showcase his work in my gallery,” shares Sophia L. Pandé, the founder and director of Kala Salon.
Another art enthusiast, SC Suman, who has closely observed his artistic approach in Nepal, remarks, “It’s fascinating to observe how every line portrayed on the canvas conveys a distinct emotion. His mastery of color and shape is truly remarkable. There are only a handful of artists who delve this deeply into the philosophy of lines through the interplay of colors and forms.”
Upon closely examining the paintings, shades of blue, yellow, and vibrant black dominate the canvases. As you focus deeper, the colors seem to melt away, leaving behind shapes that narrate profound stories of humanity—depicting emotions such as sorrow, joy, anger, resilience, and the rhythm of daily life. The stories conveyed in the artwork transcend borders, resonating with universal emotions and experiences shared by people worldwide.
Reflecting on his work, artist Manoranjana Herath shares, “Although I am primarily a sculptor, I feel my paintings have a voice of their own, telling their unique stories. Traveling is like discovering the world anew for me, and while travelling, carrying sculptures isn’t feasible due to their weight, my canvases become the vessels of the emotions and sentiments I wish to share with humanity. These paintings are my way of connecting with others, and I hope they find appreciation in your eyes.”
There are only a handful of Nepali artists who explore linear patterns in their work, such as Sangee Shrestha, Roshan Mishra, Birendra Pratap Singh and some others. Globally, the linear art style gained prominence with the rise of Pablo Picasso, who is widely credited for pioneering the cubist movement and influencing linear art forms. Some elements in these showcased artworks carry the essence of Picasso’s revolutionary approach, blending geometry with emotional depth.
If you’re near Thamel, make sure to visit The Kala Salon inside the Chhaya Center to experience these exceptional pieces firsthand. If you’re fortunate, you might even have the opportunity to meet and interact with the artist himself !
Venue: The Kala Salon, Chaya Center Mall (6th floor)..
Exhibition Date: 13th – 20th December, 2024.
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm.
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