‘Cellscapes’ – From atoms to artist

Sunday, 10 May 2015 15:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Imagine everything you can. From as far away as a sun in another galaxy to something so close by as the paper you’re holding. Imagine simplifying everything down to its very core and essence. There you will find cells, the microscopic organisms that in unison create life. They are intricately diverse, yet seem to blend as one into a design, that even today is inexplicable.

Out at sea, sailing with her husband who is a Marine Engineer, is Shaanea Amantha Mendis D’Silva. She pursued Fine Art at Lasalle College of the Arts – Singapore, and holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree, majoring in Painting. It is on one such voyage, that she discovers the inspiration for her newest art exhibit titled: ‘Cellscapes’.

Could a cell from the depths of the ocean, be the same as a snowflake about to settle on a mountain top? Can the veins of a leaf resemble patterns of lightning? These and other mysteries Shaanea explores in thought via watercolour, pen and ink. Her contemporary art, a breakdown of the building blocks that make up our fundamental and natural surroundings.

While a cell could regenerate, it can also react. Shaanea’s collection includes work that introduces us to such scenarios with a new element, Rust. ‘Cellscapes’ captures both subtlety and eventuality as she transcends into its theme. Be it the heart of an engine or the thumb of a nail, she magnifies in her art everything that is so profoundly invisible to our naked eye.

Shaanea has group exhibited and sold several work in the past, both in Sri Lanka and Singapore. Her past exhibits include, The Colombo Design Market, Sri Lanka – 2014, ‘Something Old, Something New, ...Nothing Borrowed, Some are Blue’ Solo Exhibition, Harold Pieris Gallery, Lionel Wendt, Sri Lanka – 2012, The Graduation Show, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore – 2007, ‘Small Packages’, LASALLE College of The Arts, Singapore – 2004 and Centenary Art Exhibition, Ladies’ College, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka – 2000.

Her work is about attention to detail. Abstract metaphors, that speaks through a meditative visual narrative. ‘Cellscapes’ promises us this insight into that landscape, made of the tiniest matter. In its ever evolving patterns and textures there might perhaps exist more than one answer. Discover her upcoming solo exhibition ‘Cellscapes’ at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery from 15-18 May.

– Ranoj Kurukulasuriya