Shehan Madawela – "I am not defined by any style…" 

At the age of 32, most of us look towards cementing our careers and climbing that corporate ladder. This wasn’t the case of Shehan Madawela who left his mainstream occupation to pursue his passion. Descending from a family of artists, one could argue that it was an inevitable change for him and something that was foreseen. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that such an unorthodox choice is daring and inspiring to those who understandably stifle their dreams for stability. 

Shehan has exhibited his work in many countries including Bahrain, Netherlands, Malaysia and more. It is after many years that he is exhibiting his work here in Sri Lanka. 

What was life like before art? 

I was a businessman before, an agent for professional drawing equipment; I travelled a bit for it. I enjoyed what I was doing. 

What was the turning point that set you on this one way path? 

I was in Lesotho, South Africa on work.  When the apartheid was lifted, everyone started moving out of Lesotho and to other parts of South Africa. Lesotho became empty and that is bad for business. So we closed up and I returned home. Then I started to play with paint… I haven’t stopped since then. 

What is art? 

At the moment it is everything. It’s my whole life… 

How would you define your work? 

I don’t actually. I rather not talk about it that talk about it. For the simple reason that the process when you go through doing a work, you lose some of its efficacy if you go and talk about it. 

You don’t have a particular style? 

I don’t. I don’t like being limited like that. I am not trying to change the course of art. I have several distinct styles. I am still experimenting and I like to keep it that way. Once you assume a certain style, you are restricted. I am comfortable in doing whatever I am doing. This is mostly perhaps because I am self taught artist. 

What challenges have you faced as an artist? 

It’s not easy. As a self taught artist you are on your own. You are kind of doing your masters on your own. You learn from your mistakes on your own. And financially too it’s challenging. You can sell six paintings in a month or one painting in six months. 

Do you ever regret becoming an artist? 

Sometimes, it flashes through your head. But you never get a better job than this, its therapy for your soul. So I am under constant therapy. 

What’s your creative process like? 

Blank canvasses scare me, but once you get in there and do your thing it slowly takes shape. I work in sporadic and spasms, but you’re constantly working in your head. But the act of transferring all the elements in to canvas, takes a long time. Then when it’s done, I stop and take a break. 

Any particular artists you admire? 

There are a quite a few. From Van Gogh to Turner to Pollock to the 43 group. I also like the works of Muhanned Cader. 

What do you think of the local art circle? 

I’ve not been here long enough to comment on that but I have noticed the lack of support rendered towards the arts, here in Sri Lanka. In situations such as this Mr. Hemaka de Alwis stands out as one of the few patrons of the arts. 

Shehan Madawela along with Tissa de Alwis and Pinki 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