With a very impressive and distinguished career in art spanning 50 years, Iromie Wijewardena needs no introduction.  Art is a means of self–expression for her and she will be having an exhibition to commemorate 50 years of painting titled “50 Years of Painting 1973- 2023, A Celebration of Women” Her work has been widely acclaimed and she is a respected artist who has brought much fame to Sri Lanka. She spoke to us about her upcoming exhibition and some of the highlights of her career.

Q Tell us about your upcoming exhibition. when and where will it be held?
My exhibition titled “50 years of Painting 1973 –2023,” “A Celebration of Women” will be held from the 15th – 17th March 2024, at the Harold Peiris Gallery, Lionel Wendt, Guildford Crescent, Colombo.

Q What are the types of paintings that will be on display at the exhibition?
Paintings executed at this exhibition display the development of my styles from Landscapes in the 1980s to ‘Temple Murals in the 1990s to figure composition to date.  There will be a range from Mixed Media on canvas, and line drawings and figure compositions.

Q What is the main purpose for having this exhibition and how is it different to your previous exhibitions?
This exhibition will be different to my other ones as unlike my previous exhibitions, I will be displaying different phases of my work and not just my current paintings. I wanted to portray the evolution of my artistic style throughout my career.

Q You have had a long and impressive journey in art – what are some of the highlights of it?
Some of the highlights have been being the recipient of 15 Awards in 2021, awarded by the Department of Cultural Affairs. My painting ‘The Royal Procession’ was selected by the Department of Cultural Affairs in 1984 as Sri Lanka’s contribution to the permanent collection at the ‘Josip Broz Tito Gallery’ in Yugoslavia.

One year later, this painting was chosen by the Yugoslavian Government for an 8 Dinar postage stamp in 1985. This selection created history as it is the first time a Sri Lankan artist’s work has been reproduced on a foreign postage stamp.

“Devotees” a painting executed in 1988 was selected by the “Lyudmila Zhivkova’ International Foundation Gallery” in Bulgaria for their permanent collection.

Readers’ Digest Asia edition, reproduced my painting “Musicians” on the back cover in February 2000.

In 2000 “Dancer in Blue” was acquired for the Presidential Collection, Sri Lanka.

In  2006 I had a very rare honour when I was elected to chair the jury panel for the ‘Asian Art Biennale” in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This Biennale is one of the biggest art events in the Asian region. This same year in 2006, Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha published and launched my publication “Iromie Wijewardena Paintings”.

Q What inspires you to paint?
Inspiration to paint hits me at the most random of places. I always carry my sketchbook with me to sketch when inspiration strikes. I find that I am most inspired to paint when I am away from the city.

Q Who are the people who have influenced you in your career in art?
My first two biggest influences were my two professors who encouraged me throughout my university career and beyond and now my dear friends Prof. Albert Dharmasiri and Dr. H. A. Karunaratne. My late parents and husband always supported my passion for art.

Q You have travelled widely overseas to exhibit your work. Can you tell us how it has helped you in your work as an artist?
Being exposed to different cultures and different forms of Art specific to these countries helped me to develop my own style over the years, in addition to this it allowed me to connect with like-minded art enthusiasts and artists, who have supported each other in our careers.

Q In your opinion how does the standard of art in  Sri Lanka compare to that overseas, especially in other Asian countries?
The standard of art in Sri Lanka today is very vibrant, unlike back in the past. Exhibitions are held almost every month with more and more contemporary galleries opening their doors to the young artists.
Our artists are gaining a lot of recognition not only in the Asian region but also in many International Exhibitions.

Q Most of your work portrays women – what is the reason for this?
There is a lot of beauty to be captured in the female form, this has served as inspiration.
The women I paint are mostly those engaged in what is perceived as ‘mundane daily life or work.”

Q Is your involvement in art a means of expressing yourself, a way of life for you -what does it mean to you?
I have always been creative by nature and art has definitely been an outlet for self-expression and a way of life.

Q Finally, how do you hope to inspire others who wish to follow in your footsteps and how do you hope to contribute towards the advancement of art in Sri Lanka?
I hope my art serves as inspiration for any young person wishing to follow their passion in art and not be afraid to express themselves and their own individuality. It’s not an easy road to becoming an artist.

My advice to aspiring artists is to develop their own original unique style and not be a slave to imitating works of contemporary artists.  

By Kshalini Nonis