Pinki Madawela – Painter, Sculptor and Idealist… 

We are defined by our experiences. Sometimes we unknowingly or knowingly showcase scars of the battles we have fought, it is after all only human nature to do so. Pinki Madawela, on the other hand insists on showing the positive side of suffering - the road to recovery, the persisting strength of man to rise above it all. Sometimes beautiful and sometimes haunting, her life experiences including the tragedies she has suffered will not be directly translated on her work. Instead she prefers to heal with the colour. 

Encapsulating the viewer, her almost life like and mystical paintings guides you in to a magical world of history, myth and story… 

How would you describe your work? 

I am a sculptor as well. Therefore I like to give a three dimensional look to my paintings, like they are alive. And show how the human forms were always changing. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received over the years? 

The words of wisdom from gurus I will always treasure. They gave me a lot of strength, when I needed it the most. They said “I have hope for you. You make my dream come true” 

How would you define yourself as an artist? 

This is an interesting question. I am less persistent to combat but I will not be beaten by life’s challenges. That way I am different. Rather than showcasing suffering, I prefer to show how we can come out of it beautifully with colour and form. 

When did you know that that you had to become an artist? 

My aunt studied at a Varanasi art school. She used to come home for the holidays and show her works to everyone except the little ones. But I used to go and look and I was fascinated with what I saw. Also when I was around five years old, I used to read some of my uncle's books. And I used to envision the day that I can draw those stories and for it to become alive. 

From childhood you have seen and experienced a lot of suffering, how has that affected your work? 

Bihar, the province I come from experiences a lot of floods. Lives are destroyed and homes in the numbers of thousands are destroyed. And this is a natural disaster; you have no control over it. I have seen people die in front of me in my village. I myself had a near death experience some years ago, I was told I would never walk again… but none of the suffering is reflected in my work. I prefer to focus on the recovery or at least coming out of difficult sometimes impossible situations. 

What about the subject matter of your work? 

I like history, especially about the Indus civilization and the Egyptian civilization. The Egyptians were very thoughtful in their dressing and this always impressed me. I love mythology and because we believe in it. It plays a big part in my culture and I believe in it. 

What inspires you? 

Anything and everything, I am inspired by people. I love colour. There is something very healing about colour. When I was studying miniature art, I learnt that each colour tells a story. 

Is there anything particular about your creative process? 

I like to work at four in the morning and four in the afternoon, those are the best times for me. There is certain way the light sets at those times. It is said that the god Brahma passes through at these times. It is also said that if you ask for anything at four in the morning, it comes to you. 

What do you think about the arts in Sri Lanka? 

Sri Lanka is a very powerful country. And a very talented country and they need to support and identify themselves with it. For instance you build beautiful temples, complete with beautiful art. And students from all over the world would love to learn this kind of art. The government should open a school that teaches these traditions and techniques. 

Pinki Madawela along with Tissa de Alwis and Shehan Madawela will be exhibiting at the Galleries of the Sapumal Foundation from the 18th of March – 22nd of March between 10 a.m – 6.00 p.m. 

By Shazzana Hamid