Preethi Hapuwatte (b.1955) begins by applying generous amounts of bright oil and acrylic paint to her canvas using thick brushes. As the colours keep moving, overlapping and making forms, lines, shapes and new colours, her work takes shape. She uses thinner brushes to create depth, movement, and texture and to create perspective.
As she immerses herself in this free play, abstract shapes begin to take a new and magical life. They are formed into visual objects, forms and feelings depending on her mood at the time.
Her larger works keep evolving over a few months, as layer upon layer is applied until finally the finished look emerges. These paintings are a reflection of her life; encapsulating moments of joy and sadness, as well as moments and memories shared with family and friends.
Each artwork is a celebration. Each brushstroke illustrates a moment of joy or pain. Painting has always been a source of immense strength and joy. This exhibition captures her life as a series of experiences - like a bud blooming into a beautiful flower and slowly fading away to nothing.