Whispering Forests An exhibition of paintings by mother-daughter duo

‘Whispering Forests’ is a collection of nature inspired paintings and drawings by mother daughter duo Iranganie and Chandima Wickramasinghe. Both artists are immensely inspired by nature and most of the paintings and drawings depict sceneries of forests. 

Iranganie uses oil and acrylic as her medium while Chandima opts for pen and ink.   
Majority of the paintings by Iranganie are drawn from her precious memories where she spent her childhood in We - Uda in Kurunegala and later in Deniyaya, enjoying the amazing wildlife of Sinharaja forest. She masterfully paints intricate details using her brush stokes in a manner evoking beauty and mystique nature of forests. Compared to the age and physical ability, her skill is amazing.   
Iranganie lacked time to paint despite her passion whilst undertaking the role of a house-wife. She was able to give wings to her passion in her 70’s, demonstrating the passion and strength of a true artist rekindling skills of childhood and youth. Iranganie had studied and practised for five years prior to organizing the exhibition.   

"Majority of the paintings by Iranganie are drawn from her precious memories where she spent her childhood"

"Chandima on the other hand, produces artwork on white paper using pen and black ink, whilst choosing nature as her subject"

A devoted artist in her 80’s sacrificing her days and nights for painting becomes an inspiration to other artists and peers as well. She says everyone should have hobbies like gardening, reading and music in their old age, which in return changes their mentality towards the negativity altogether with physical barriers.   
She had started to paint on Cotton Grey cloth first with acrylic and later only came to know about the canvas, which is a foundation element in art. Her daughter had first recognised her talent and had encouraged her to paint, and had sent her to an art class. When she was about to give up, the daughter had supported her further by attending the class together with her, and she too had ended up being an artist.   

While she was practising numerous forms of art, her teacher, artist Kasun Wickremasinghe had recognized her inborn talent in detailing trees, forests and nature, and had guided her to stick to it. She had begun to practise painting with oil recently and says she loves painting which purifies the soul as if it was meditation.   
Chandima on the other hand, produces artwork on white paper using pen and black ink, whilst choosing nature as her subject. Artist Chandima is interested in conserving the environment, rendering depth and meaning to her drawings of nature. She is a senior officer in Sri Lanka Administrative Service and holds a special degree in Zoology.    

Pics by  Nisal Baduge

Whispering Forests art exhibition commences today and will be held until March 3 at Lionel Wendt Art Gallery