Irish artist who visited Sri Lanka 11 times

• I try to help Sri Lanka as much as I can in the little ways I can. The philosophy of art is an excellent subject to open minds and hearts. We must go beyond commercialism and extend humanity through art, it can bring light, love and understanding to this world full of nonsense

Irish Artist, Eric James Duhan recently visited Sri Lanka for the eleventh time. His fascination for Sri Lanka is very profound. He has travelled the world over many years and collected memories. The landscapes, the differing cultures and traditions have educated him as much as the day-to-day activities of the people he came across and he puts those memories into his expressive paintings collected in his many Carnets des Voyages. 

“My works have been collected in many parts of the world, by different people and institutions. Many have bought my work. The value for me is in the fact that people choose to invest their hard-earned income in my work. I lead a very simple life, so it is good when people react to my paintings.”

That’s how Eric started the story. This world-renowned artist was born as the fifth child in a Catholic family in Ireland. A post-colonial republic battered by the war of independence against Britain and the civil war as well as World War II. Ireland was still experiencing economic difficulties at the time of Eric’s birth in 1954 and would continue to do so until the advent of membership in the European Economic Union.

His grandfather spent most of his life in British India. He was a sailor and an avid reader. His mother was fond of music. In those days there was no television, there was only radio the theatre and movies for entertainment. People gathered together and told stories at night in their spare time.

Eric’s family, like many others, faced financial difficulties during his childhood and youth. Eric was always drawn to art and two of his brothers are well-known artists. He learned to speak five languages but as yet still not Sinhalese which is high on his list.

Success in art is not easy for young people. One does not enter the profession to become rich.
“The raw materials are expensive. These days the cost of Exhibition spaces and art galleries is
prohibitive. Art is beautiful. Not only the artist but also the other people benefit from it,” he said.

“The same attention given to climate change should be given to art,” he said. He also spoke about Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is my second home. But I am sorry for the current state of this beautiful country and people,” he said.
“I know that sitting at a school desk today is the man or woman who will make Sri Lanka a powerhouse in South East Asia, the resources, talent and education have made this possible if only the politics could follow. I try to help Sri Lanka as much as I can in the little ways I can. The philosophy of art is an excellent subject to open minds and hearts. We must go beyond commercialism and extend humanity through art, it can bring light, love and understanding to this world full of nonsense. “

Eric loves not only painting but also music, writing and travel. He says that he wants to come to Sri Lanka whenever possible.

“I do not require fame, fortune or honour as an artist. My main focus is creating meaningful paintings,” Eric said.