If you have seen Indika’s pencil portraits before you would know his talent is far from the usual.

This time around he has tried out his hand at imitating wildlife via pencil strokes, and his efforts have turned out largely successful. “Whiskers” is an exhibition of pencil drawing and photography on leopards and other animals.   

Indika Wijewardhana is a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colombo, but as of late his heart and soul have been with the wilderness and its beauty. His involvement in the outdoor activities group 'Borderlands' has given him a portal to explore his interests.  His combined passion for pencil portraits, photographs and wildlife have now catapulted into the collection he hopes to display at the exhibition, after months of travelling.

Speaking of the exhibition he says, “In pursuit of my passion as an explorer and adventurer, life in the Sri Lankan wild holds an extraordinary beauty, which inspired me to create a collection of wildlife. Creations which portray the beauty of wildlife around the globe, 40 artworks in total, will be on display at the “Whiskers” exhibition.”

He recalled the past few years which have now culminated in the form of his first personal exhibition, “During university at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, I was committed to a wide range of artistic activities which enabled me to express my creativity as a pencil artist and a photographer.

The “Passion” arts exhibition organized by the Rotaract Club of Cinnamon Gardens in December 2012 showcased my work to the general public for the first time. It was a phenomenal success, with overwhelming positive feedback, which encouraged further exploration of my creativity.”

“Whiskers” by Indika Wijewardhana, a wildlife themed pencil drawing and photography exhibition focusing on leopards and other animals is scheduled to be held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of December at the Gallery Red – Gandhara, Stafford Avenue from 10. 30 am to 8 pm. Event will be opened at 10.30 a.m. on the 14th with Mr. Dian Gomes as the chief guest.
 

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan