The Alliance Francaise de Kotte presents ‘Nostalgie02’, an exhibition of black and white photographs by Kumar de Silva, at the Harold Peries Gallery of the Lionel Wendt Arts Centre, Colombo on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 01 July 2012.

Sponsored by Canon Metropolitan, it will be inaugurated under the distinguished patronage of Minister of International Monetary Cooperation Hon. Dr. Sarath Amunugama, himself a Francophone. Chief Government Whip and Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena will be the Guest of Honour.

This exhibition is a sequel to last year’s successful ‘Nostalgie’ which showcased France and her multi-dimensional splendour through the inquisitive and probing lens of the photographer. Kumar de Silva who describes himself as “an incurable francophone cum francophile” has had a long association with France, for more than quarter century, when he made his debut on the little screen with the legendary, French television programme “Bonsoir” on ITN in 1986. 

“That journey which began 26 years ago has enriched my life, my love for France, her culture and the arts, and has broadened my horizons. Yes of course, speaking the language has always enabled me to get a totally first-hand experience of all that France has to offer. It is perhaps my experience as a television producer which makes me look at the world around me in f-r-a-m-e-s, both their natural composition and their sometimes discordant feel. It is this that inspires me to freeze sights and scenes on camera, which I thoroughly enjoy doing”.

Says the Representative of the Fondation Alliance Francaise de Paris in Sri Lanka and Director of the Alliance Francaise de Kotte, Bertrand Dufieux, “We are very happy to present this exhibition of photographs on France. Our long time friend Kumar de Silva has a definite penchant for France and always presents our country in the most amicable manner. We thank him, as a recognised communicator in Sri Lanka, for his generous vision and his sense of celebration”.

‘Nostalgie02’ takes visitors through random scenes of Paris and across different parts of France and is open to the public from 10.00 am to 07.00 pm on both days, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 01 July 2012.