Street Level
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Exhibition of Watercolours by
Robert Sedgley at the Barefoot Gallery Jan. 18 - Feb. 3, 2002 His particular interest is the many varieties of buildings and structures that he has discovered on his travels around the country. his studies, painted on site, of the Dutch period houses in Galle, with their typical verandahs and overhanging tile roofs, capture the fleeting effect of sunlight and incidental detail. In contrast his examination of the British neo-classical facade of the building at Justice Akbar Mawatha, Slave Island, shows a fascination with the crumbling plaster and
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new bright paintwork; green outgrowth of bushes clinging to the craggy cliff-like walls and slick signs; while the life of the street goes on below.
Painted in a meticulous and precise style, with an eye for detail and specific characteristics, we do not experience these works as generalised cityscapes, but rather may be seen as analogous to portraits of particular and identifiable buildings. however, in the last analysis, these are far from being regarded as dry topographical studies, the mere recording of the facts of the place, but rather, through delicate applications of colour and the depiction light and shade seek to evoke the atmosphere of the place. The artist regards these not just as representations but rather like meditations on form and proportion, on colour and changes of colour.
Religious sites and railway stations are also subjects of interest and a number of works depict the Temple of the Tooth shining out of the green hillside overlooking the lake of Kandy.
Painted in a meticulous and precise style, with an eye for detail and specific characteristics, we do not experience these works as generalised cityscapes, but rather may be seen as analogous to portraits of particular and identifiable buildings. however, in the last analysis, these are far from being regarded as dry topographical studies, the mere recording of the facts of the place, but rather, through delicate applications of colour and the depiction light and shade seek to evoke the atmosphere of the place. The artist regards these not just as representations but rather like meditations on form and proportion, on colour and changes of colour.
Religious sites and railway stations are also subjects of interest and a number of works depict the Temple of the Tooth shining out of the green hillside overlooking the lake of Kandy.
Another facet of the artist's work is his 'Hill Country series.' Based on a journey through the landscapes of the tea country above Kandy, these pieces seek to explore the idea of movement and time expressed through veiled colours and variegated mark making. these pieces are suitable vehicle of expression for his idea that making a painting is a journey.
There is no well known goal in sight, rather it is the action of painting that determines the direction the work takes. along the way twists and turns lead to new vistas and unexpected discoveries may be made. the destination is reached, or the journey abandoned when he feels that he has arrived at a satisfactory arrangement of forms and colours.
Robert Sedgley undertook his professional training at the Birmingham and Exeter colleges of Art. He is also a qualified teacher and has taught various art and craft disciplines, sculpture and photography. In addition to watercolours he does figure painting in oils and makes ceramic sculptures.
Robert Sedgley's present exhibition is his third [in Sri Lanka.] A British artist, [he] has visited Sri Lanka five times.
There is no well known goal in sight, rather it is the action of painting that determines the direction the work takes. along the way twists and turns lead to new vistas and unexpected discoveries may be made. the destination is reached, or the journey abandoned when he feels that he has arrived at a satisfactory arrangement of forms and colours.
Robert Sedgley undertook his professional training at the Birmingham and Exeter colleges of Art. He is also a qualified teacher and has taught various art and craft disciplines, sculpture and photography. In addition to watercolours he does figure painting in oils and makes ceramic sculptures.
Robert Sedgley's present exhibition is his third [in Sri Lanka.] A British artist, [he] has visited Sri Lanka five times.
