“Beyond the Boundary”, an art exhibition by young artists, was presented by the final year students of the Department of Painting, Faculty of Visual Arts, University of Visual and Performing Arts. Gandhara was the principal sponsor for this event. The exhibition was declared open by Professor Jayasena Kottegoda, Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts.
Thirty final year students displayed a variety of innovative creative works at this exhibition. The students who come from various regions in Sri Lanka had completed four-year degrees at the University and the exhibition was the culmination of their years of study in this field.
Dian Gomes, chairman of Gandhara, emphasised that he believed Sri Lanka had the capacity to produce world-class artists, stating, “I am sure in my lifetime, I will see a young Picasso, a young Monet or maybe a George Keyt in the making”. He also explained his reasons for providing support to these young artists recalling how as a young child, he was interested in art but was not encouraged to pursue it as a career for practical reasons. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by young artists in the commercial world and pledged to continue to support their efforts.
Jagath Ravindra, lecturer at the University and Sarath Gunasiri Perera, Dean of the Faculty of Visual Arts also spoke at the event.
