Ivan Peries
Untitled (The Face), 1980
Watercolour on paper
27.7 x 19.2 cm
10 7/8 x 7 1/2 in
10 7/8 x 7 1/2 in
Signed and dated 'IP 80' lower right
Ivan Peries is celebrated for his vibrant and emotive works that traverse the realms of colour, form, and cultural identity. As a pioneering artist who played a crucial role in...
Ivan Peries is celebrated for his vibrant and emotive works that traverse the realms of colour, form, and cultural identity. As a pioneering artist who played a crucial role in the development of modern art in Sri Lanka, Peries works invite viewers on a captivating journey through his distinctive visual language, characterized by a harmonious fusion of local traditions and global artistic influences.
Born in 1921, Peries embarked on a creative odyssey that reflected the evolution of his homeland and his own artistic maturation. He honed his skills under the tutelage of the renowned British modernist artist Stanley Gardiner, later joining the '43 Group,' a collective of like-minded artists who sought to redefine Sri Lankan art in a postcolonial context. Peries's work emerged as a bridge between the traditional artistic heritage of his country and the innovative styles of the Western art world
One of Peries's most notable achievements lies in his exploration of cultural identity, as evidenced in the present lot. His works serve as a visual commentary on the multifaceted nature of Sri Lankan society, integrating elements from the island's diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural traditions. Here, he has merged abstraction and realism, and yet we can see that this is a portrait. The portrait however goes beyond mere likeness, capturing the spirit and emotions that lie beneath the surface. Every brushstroke and colour choice is a deliberate attempt to penetrate the façade, allowing viewers to engage with the subject on a personal and deeply empathetic level.
Born in 1921, Peries embarked on a creative odyssey that reflected the evolution of his homeland and his own artistic maturation. He honed his skills under the tutelage of the renowned British modernist artist Stanley Gardiner, later joining the '43 Group,' a collective of like-minded artists who sought to redefine Sri Lankan art in a postcolonial context. Peries's work emerged as a bridge between the traditional artistic heritage of his country and the innovative styles of the Western art world
One of Peries's most notable achievements lies in his exploration of cultural identity, as evidenced in the present lot. His works serve as a visual commentary on the multifaceted nature of Sri Lankan society, integrating elements from the island's diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural traditions. Here, he has merged abstraction and realism, and yet we can see that this is a portrait. The portrait however goes beyond mere likeness, capturing the spirit and emotions that lie beneath the surface. Every brushstroke and colour choice is a deliberate attempt to penetrate the façade, allowing viewers to engage with the subject on a personal and deeply empathetic level.
Provenance
Private Collection, Sri Lanka;
Thence by descent;
Lawsons, Sydney, Australia, Fine Art, 16th December 2021, lot 575;
Private collection, UAE;
Grosvenor Gallery, London