Features

ARTRA Magazine features the ’43 Group

Published

4 years ago

2022/09/25

The latest issue of ARTRA, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has more illustrations than text: wonderful reproductions of our artists ranging from the naturalistic to cubist, to abstract, interspersed with cartoons; all from the Sapumal Foundation. A double page notes significant dates of the local art world: 1930 and ’36 –

exhibitions in Colombo of George Keyt and Justin Daraniyagala; 1943 – formation of the ’43 Group on August 29, at Alborada, Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7; 1952 – first overseas exhibition of ’43 Group at the Imperial Institute, London; 1953 – exhibition at the Petit Palas, Paris; 1954 – exhibition at the Heffer Gallery , Cambridge; 1974 – Formation of the Sapumal Foundation by Harry Pieris, Founder Member and only Hon Secy of the ’43 Group. Two deaths are noted: 1944 – Lionel Wendt and 2016 – Richard Gabriel, last death of a core member.

Text material consists of Beyond a Revolt & Basked in the Instinctual by Azara Jaleel in three parts: Career developments in the early 1900s, Historical overview of Sri Lankan art and About the artists and their artistic styles. Excerpts from interviews include Cresside Collete (daughter of Aubrey) writing about her Father Figure; Kemal de Soysa titling his short piece True to a fault; T Shanthanan – Timeless cosmopolitans; Michael Anthonisz – Provenance and its importance; Rita Manella – Rekindling Sri Lanka’s rapture; and Rohan de Soya – Art & living / the beauty herein.

Azara Jaleel begins her Editorial thus: “The ’43 Group may be bygone, but the seeds they sowed of new thought and form shaped the beginnings of Sri Lanka’s Modern & Contemporary Art. Thus we take great pride in publishing this important edition in celebration of ARTRA Magazine’s decennium, paying homage to this historic movement.”

The ’43 Group

It was the first 20^th century modern art school established in Colombo in 1943. The Group was an association of like–minded artists who had originally been in the Ceylon Society of Arts. The breaking away and formation of a new collective was initiated by Lionel Wendt and had nine artists as key members: Geoffrey Beling (1907-1992), George Claessen (1909-1999), Aubrey Collette , Justin Daraniyagala (1903-1967), Richard Gabriel (1924-2016), George Keyt (1901 1993), Ivan Peries (1924-88), Harry Pieris (1904-88), and Manjusri Thera (1902-1982). They drew influence from Charles Freegrove Winzer who had been Keyt’s and Beling’s teacher. Referencing the name I retrieved the following info. Winzer (1886-1940) was a British painter and lithographer who lived in Paris and was held prisoner in Germany during WWI. He returned to Vienna, then held the post of Chief Inspector of Art in Ceylon and was widely regarded as a leading light in modern art to Ceylonese artists.

The reference adds: “The painting of the Group constituted a historic break in Sri Lankan and more generally, South Asian tradition. The most significant achievement of the ’43 Group is accepted to be their localization of European modernist trends to a distinctively Sri Lankan modernist art.” The Group extended its patronage to films (Lester James Peiris became an associate) and Kandyan and other local dance forms.

Some of the Group

All Sri Lankans know of and about George Keyt and Lionel Wendt. I was familiar with the names of others and knew a few details of each of them, but read up and feel it apt to pass on information gathered on the members who particularly interested me.

Lionel George Henricus Wendt

was pianist, photographer, filmmaker and critic. It was he who was the leader of the ’43 Group and gave it a home, which later was developed to the Lionel Wendt Art Centre with its theatre, exhibition hall and club. His collection of over 400 photographs is the nucleus of his vast art legacy to the country. It was a tragedy and great loss to the country and art that he died at age 44.

Geoffrey Beling.

We in our Kandy school had heard of him as visits by him as Inspector of Art were threatened in my time in the primary school. One sister was praised by him and I think he particularly praised Nalini Wijenaike, mother of Senaka Senanayaka.

Beling was born in Gampola in 1907 to watercolorist father and music teacher mother. In 1926 he went to India to study architecture and art at Bombay’s Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebbhoy School of Art. Two years later he returned due to his father’s death and opened a private art school in Havelock Town and also started exhibiting his work at the Art Club arranged by Charles Freegrove Winzer. Critics considered his art ‘ridiculous and degrading’ but Pablo Neruda, who lived some years in Colombo, thought he was a true artist, rare in Ceylon, and one of the two best. He painted mainly landscapes, still life and portraits.

In 1932, Beling succeeded Winzer as Chief Inspector of Art. and held the post till 1967. Unfortunately he stopped painting around 1945. He married Edith Deutrom and they had four children. One significant fact is that he prepared the original designs of the Lionel Wendt Memorial Arts complex on Guildford Crescent, Colombo 7.

George Claessen

was both artist and poet. His art was characterized by his mystical beliefs and ideas. Born in Colombo in 1909, he was largely a self-taught artist and began painting professionally when, aged 29, he joined the Colombo Port Commission as a draughtsman. He favoured modern European artistic forms over traditional Sri Lankan art. He had a painting displayed in the London National Gallery acquired during WW II by the War Artists’ Advisory Committee. Moving to abstract art, he exhibited his work in many galleries, among them in Melbourne in 1947, in London many times with the Royal Society of British Artists and the Society of Graphic Art and in the Venice Biennale in 1956. Throughout his life he continued working at the Colombo Port Commission and in addition to art, published several volumes of poetry.

L Thomas Peiris Manjusri is to me the most intriguing of founders of the ’43 Group because of the vast changes, even adventures, he made for himself. Born in near poverty in a fishing village in Aluthgama in 1902, he died in 1982, a celebrated, world known Sri Lankan. “His story is a commentary on the cultural history of 20^th century Ceylon/ Sri Lanka.”

Manjusri ran away from school and home when 11 years old with the said intention of discovering the world. He first apprenticed himself to a carpenter, then was assistant to a ballad singer uncle. Maybe he travelled around as ballad singers provided entertainment to villages with their viridu singing accompanied by hand held rabana and tambourine. He then became a shop assistant in Beruwela.

He joined the Sangha when 13 and under reputed scholar monks in the Mangala Pirivena, Beruwela; studied Buddhist philosophy along with Sinhala Literature, Sanskrit, Pali and Bengali. In 1932 he joined Rabindranath Tagore’s Santineketan Ashram.

However, had to return in two years when his father died. Thus began his life’s work of systematically copying, tracing and documenting drawings and friezes of old Buddhist temples. Living often in Colombo, he inspired the association of young artists. Thus his being a founder member of the ’43 Group. He visited Vienna and London during this period.

In 1950 aged 48, he disrobed and gave full attention to art and writing on art in South and SE Asia. Married late in life, with the help of wife Mangala, he researched and published in 1975 Design Elements from Sri Lankan Temple Paintings. Many were the awards he won, plaudits and honours for his art, preservation of ancient and medieval Lankan art and his writing. The highest of these was the 1979 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism. ATRA Magazine has done Sri Lanka and the entire art world a favour by showing the disparate works of these artists in one issue in which we can see the diversity of their work and depth of talent. It is obvious that they did not copy from each other, but inspired each other to develop their individual identity and style.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

10 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

10 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

10 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.