The art community of Sri Lanka experienced a unique splash of vibrant colors and emotional depth as reclusive artist Michael Weeraratne presented his first-ever art exhibition. This debut marked a significant moment in the Sri Lankan art scene, unveiling a collection that uplifted and inspired through an exceptional exploration of color.
Michael Weeraratne’s exhibition was a profound journey of experimentation with color, delving into how vivid and bright hues could elevate moods and transform perspectives. Unlike conventional exhibitions categorized by themes or styles, Michael’s work stood as a cohesive voyage into the world of color. Each piece was a testament to his innovative approach and his belief in the power of color to invoke joy and dispel negativity.
“What inspired me really were the thoughts in my mind,” Michael reflected. “The negative thoughts, the thoughts of fear that I fought with visualization of color in my mind. I lived in my mind because I did not go out very much and I led a very reclusive life. Without exaggeration, I had only stepped out in the last several years maybe 3 or 4 times out of my house. So therefore, I lived in a world of color that I imagined in my own mind and my art was an expression of that.”
Michael’s deeply personal and introspective lifestyle fed directly into his art, making each piece a window into his internal world. His daily routine of painting four to five days a week underscored his commitment and passion for his craft.
Interestingly, it wasn’t Michael’s idea to bring his vibrant inner world to the public eye. “Actually, more than my keenness it was my family, my friends and my loved ones around me who thought that I should be sharing my journey of expression in color with the rest of the world and thereby also contributing in bringing joy to their lives as much as it has brought joy to me. So, it was really their motivation and influence,” he explained.
From a young age, Michael had been enamored with drawing and sketching, a passion nurtured within a creatively gifted family.
He credited his artistic growth to his aunt Hemarli, an internationally acclaimed artist from Norway. The artistic streak ran through his family, with relatives excelling in fields – his niece was an interior designer, brother was an Architect and many family members, shaping an environment that fostered his creative spirit.
For Michael, art transcended mere visual appeal. “Art was expression for me. Art was telling a thousand stories in one painting. Art was reading out poetry in a painting. Art was writing a book in a painting. Art was one painting that could speak chapters and volumes in somebody’s life.”
Michael predominantly used acrylics and watercolors on art paper, valuing these mediums for their fluidity and the speed at which they allowed him to create. His choice of materials reflected his desire for spontaneity and immediacy in his work.
Through his art, Michael sought to communicate a powerful message: “That joy can be an everyday thing. That joy is up to you – joy is a choice and being cheerful doesn’t have to depend on anything external. Being cheerful and bringing joy can be something that you can give off internally.”
Michael’s reclusive nature contrasted sharply with the vivid, expressive quality of his art. While he rarely interacted with visitors, his paintings served as an eloquent dialogue with the world, sharing his innermost thoughts and feelings.
Michael Weeraratne’s first art exhibition was a must-see event, inviting audiences to embark on a vibrant voyage of color and emotion. It celebrated the debut of a remarkable artist whose work promised to leave an indelible mark on the heart and mind.
