By Dimithri Wijesinghe
Photos Saman Abesysiriwardene
Santosh Kumar’s art exhibition “Timeless Moments” had its inauguration on 14 June at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery.
The exhibition featured 40 of Kumar’s greatest paintings, all of varying subjects, sculptures, moods, and landscapes.
Speaking to Santosh, he said the main purpose behind the diversity in the subject matter was so that anyone can come and enjoy it: “There’s something for everyone; it’s diverse enough that you will find something you like.”
Incidentally, one of Santosh’s paintings was recently selected and presented to the Prime Minister of India during his brief visit to Sri Lanka this month.
Santosh is not a full time artist. He has lived in Sri Lanka for the past three and half years working as the MasterCard Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
However, he spoke of possibly pursuing it a little more seriously in time to come: “It is really a passion of mine. I would say it’s a hobby but it is really something I want to take up seriously”. He added: “I do exhibitions in India and overseas.”
Speaking about why it has taken him so long to actually have an exhibition here in the island, he said: “I have been living in Sri Lanka for a while but I was preoccupied with my main occupation. I have always wanted to go ahead with a show, and this time, I was so lucky that I got the beautiful venue Lionel Wendt; I consider myself fortunate to have this opportunity.”
He said that having an exhibition in Sri Lanka has always been a dream of his and that “this is really a dream come true” for him. He also thanked the positive feedback from the audience saying: “I really must extend my gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka for receiving it so well.”
The proceeds from the sale of the paintings from this exhibition will go towards Foundation of Goodness for supporting rural disadvantaged communities in Sri Lanka.
