Randini Fernando on her newest exhibition “Gaemi Pata”

• Randini Fernando on her newest exhibition and art as self-expression

Art is one of the most valuable things humanity produces. What gives art such value is that it is one of the most powerful means of self-expression; from the first cave paintings to the mega gallery displays of today, to children’s art hung proudly by parents at home. 

For artist Randini Fernando, art was never something she chose at a specific moment. It was always part of her life. “Art has been something I grew up with. I can’t really remember a specific moment,” Fernando told The Daily Morning Brunch. 

Her upcoming exhibition, Gaemi Pata, showcases close to 40 paintings created using oil, acrylic, and soft pastel. The exhibition focuses on landscapes from around the country and will be held on 16-17 May at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery.

Early influences and family support

Her exposure to art began at home, long before any formal training or exhibitions from childhood. She credits her father with playing a major role in shaping her interest in art.

“My father, while being a surgeon by profession, is also an artist,” Fernando said. “And I’ve watched him paint since my childhood.”

Watching her father paint exposed her to artistic practice from an early age and made painting part of her daily life. Her mother also encouraged creativity while she was growing up. “My mother started keeping me occupied as a child with colours,” she said.

Together, her parents created an environment where artistic expression was encouraged from an early age. That support later extended into her first public solo exhibition, which took place soon after her Ordinary Levels. “That was purely because of the encouragement and organising by my parents,” she said.

The exhibition marked the beginning of her experience exhibiting work publicly and helped build her confidence as a young artist.

A passion for painting landscapes

Landscape painting remains central to Fernando’s work. “I like painting landscapes mainly. Nature and historic places are generally the subject matter I find myself gravitating towards,” she said.

Her paintings focus on natural environments and historic locations, reflecting her interest in observation-based work rather than abstract concepts. Many of the paintings featured in Gaemi Pata continue this focus by depicting scenes from different parts of Sri Lanka.

Fernando describes her artistic style as Realistic Impressionism. Her work is based on detail, atmosphere, and recognisable environments. Rather than focusing on abstraction, she works within a realistic visual approach shaped by observation.

She also places importance on effort and technical discipline in artistic work.  “Any art form that has taken a lot of time and effort interests me,” she said.

At the same time, she is critical of some developments within contemporary art. “I am not a fan of modern art that has now become standardised and mass produced,” Fernando said. Her own work instead remains centred on traditional painting methods and representational imagery.

Building her practice

Fernando’s artistic development has been gradual and shaped by long-term practice. Early exposure to painting at home gave her a foundation, while continued work over the years helped her develop her technique across multiple mediums.

Her practice today includes an honest and realistic glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life explored with different textures and visual effects. The works featured in Gaemi Pata combine these mediums while maintaining a consistent focus on landscape painting.

Family support also played a role in helping her continue her work publicly. Encouragement from her parents and husband gave her the confidence to exhibit her paintings early on and continue developing her practice over time.

Although trends within the art world continue to change, Fernando’s own focus has remained consistent. Her paintings continue to centre on landscapes, historic environments and scenes drawn from observation.

Looking ahead

When asked about her future plans, Fernando acknowledged her love for art and her commitment to doing what she loves.

“The plan is to continue painting,” she said.

Her focus remains on continuing her artistic practice while exploring landscapes and historic locations through different mediums. Rather than shifting toward changing artistic trends, she continues to work within the style and subject matter that have shaped her work from the beginning.

Gaemi Pata reflects that ongoing process. The exhibition brings together years of practice influenced by the people that shaped her, a keen sense of observation and a continued interest in landscapes across Sri Lanka.

Source - The Morning