Tag: Dec-Jan 20

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Anyone who watches The School of Life on YouTube would know how Alain de Botton is a serious proponent of art as a therapeutic medium. He talks of how art can indeed make us better lovers by teaching us patience, curiosity and generosity; and even prepare us for loneliness, old age, and unrequited love.

Allow me to just propose one example of this: Alain de Botton believes that we harbour a great deal of darkness in our hearts, which is why art gives us hope with its simple images of happiness. Consider the painting known as Usherette by Edward Hopper, which shows the usherette bathed in light yet with melancholic sadness. She is the suffering soul in a superficial world. She is us. Hopper invites us to sympathize, empathize, and indeed identify with her.

The above two paragraphs serve as a conversation starter of the subject of this 4-page spread — Crimson Spaces. Their story, which is a saturation of ups and downs, reminds me of an art space in its entirety, and how art is extremely diverse with each exhibition being quite possibly a reflection of one of the many facets of an artist’s personality, and how they seek a sense of balance and harmony in their lives.

What is rewarding in a sense is how Crimson Spaces has filled a void in the art industry — A place where established and emerging artists that fosters their artistry and brings them to the limelight. Opportunities are provided via exhibitions and internships. This is the changing face of the art industry in Sri Lanka, and Crimson Spaces is indubitably leading the pack. 

Let’s talk about Kamilka Perera and Dananjaya Edirisinghe; two artists who are fronting the very first exhibition at Crimson Spaces. With so much of raw talent being sharpened and honed, one would feel that Kamilka Perera, in her paintings touches on the moods of the Garden of Eden, where Eden is treated as a life form herself, a rich tapestry on which Adam and Eve find and blossom in love. She imbibes her creations with a sense of purpose that is almost therapeutic to the spirit and soul.

We all know that art per se is an experience, and Danajaya Edirisinghe’s sculptures, which mainly focuses on pieces that embody the evil that is Satan, the glory that is God, and the purity and innocence that are the hearts of Adam and Eve. It is certainly an experience in itself. With a frown and the sun dappling his arms, what serves to be a humble panel of metal is turned into something pseudo-erotic and relatable.

Intense in personality, despite the offering of a bright sunny smile, you’d be caught unawares of his dark brooding persona as he designs, crafts and morphs whatever darkness he feels into a work of art that is either 2D or 3D.

Simple and yet crafted to perfection possibly thanks to Danajaya Edirisinghe’s experience as a doyen of handcrafted art, his workstation is a cacophony of pliers, wires, sweat, fingers, and a desire to just create.

I’ll admit as should you: we are all unhinged and missing something in life. And this is what a work of art attracts us to; in other words, we are attracted to something that we miss in life and within ourselves. This is why we have different tastes in art simply because we are missing different things.

Until the end of December, you and I are sure to witness an artistic spread of inimitable designs, which will be an Art Exhibition by Kamilka Perera and Danajaya Edirisinghe at Crimson Spaces. While the artistic aficionado would ask questions related to price etc., I’d urge you to traverse a different line of questioning: one which touches on the aspects of spirituality, and, dare I say, existential, too.

And, this is quite possibly the question — if I may paraphrase Alain de Botton — you should ask should you ever come across these inimitable designs handcrafted by artists across the board: What bit of myself is missing that I find in this object of art that I find so beautiful?

Eden; Crimson Spaces 2019: Art Exhibition by Kamilka Perera and Danajaya Edirisinghe is open for viewing until the 31st of December 2019, at the Crimson Spaces Gallery,32A, Horton Place, Colombo 07 from Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and on Sundays from 10am-1pm.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/crimsonspaces/

https://www.instagram.com/crimsonspaces/

Written by Rohitha Perera

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When it comes to the art of spa treatments, one of the newest kids on the block is Spa Global. What is interesting is that this hidden gem is actually a spa, a salon and also a sheisha lounge with a cafe also thrown in for good measure. This seems to be an all-in-one solution for a list of discerning individuals who want the best possible quality treatments. The best part here is that the menu of treatments seem to be ever-evolving and does include some of the latest beauty treatments using international potions and lotions that promise exceptional quality.

I had the opportunity to enjoy one of many thorough Swedish massages, which was of an exemplary standard. Moreover, believing in a sense of absolute professionalism, all therapists have gone through a stringent process of training, which is easily reflected in how well they deliver treatments.  A foot massage area lit softly with ambient lighting promises absolute rest and comfort.

What is also impressive is also how welcome you feel when you walk into this property which is quite large. I’ve also enjoyed their extensive food and beverage menu, which is somewhat of a revelation. The burgers are on point and are truly a mouthful of heaven on a plate. The use of mayo and sauces are just right and not an over-explosion of taste. The use of meat is generous and speaks of quality.

Expect some of the latest pop tunes to greet you while you are there. Very chic and impressive when it comes to ambience this is legitimately the first time I’ve ever come across a place that offers a sheisha lounge aswell. From what I know this seems to be a real hit with most clients, and the sheisha lounge at Spa Global is open till 11.30 pm, which is quite late.

I had the opportunity to speak to Fathima Zahawa Nawaz, and she ran me through the comprehensive list of facilities that are present here. They include a well-facilitated nail bar, hair design, hair texture treatments, hair extensions, waxing, party makeovers, and face and foot therapy. The salon looks very modern and classy, and this is certainly one facility that I plan on trying out when it comes to haircuts and hair styles.

Spa Global was opened in November of 2018, and is already enjoying a steady stream of clients with a minimum level of marketing effort being exerted. Largely relying on word of mouth, Spa Global is guaranteed to be thriving while enjoying a sense of customer loyalty that is sure to be welcome.

Fathima Zahawa Nawaz (who is more fondly known as Fathi) started this as an initial concept that was initiated with Sanjeewani Embuldeniya; both individuals enjoy a track record in the beauty industry and have a list of accolades, which showcase their expertise and experience. While Sanjeewani is process-driven and is a well-known makeup artist who has spent many years in the film industry in Sri Lanka, Fathi is well-qualified in the art of beauty and is a product of the Ramani Fernando Hair and Beauty Academy and also a qualified aesthetician. Trust me, you are in good hands with the level of experience that they both have.

Really pushing the envelope here, Spa Global is unisex and has the capacity to offer a list of services that is not even offered in the rest of the high-end salons in Colombo. Spa Global also has the ability to offer spa parties, get togethers and also bridal showers.

Let’s talk price; this is one aspect that is perfectly-tailored to Spa Global’s customers. The pricing is not exorbitant and falls under the spectrum of being quite reasonable.   And, I’ll be frank, this is one of the many reasons why I am a repeat customer here. The prices are such that affordability is key while also being structured in such a way where you can visit the place and indulge yourself a few times per month.

I must also mention the aspect of cleanliness — this is one property that is extremely clean and well-organized. This is a huge plus and uncleanliness in any form is a serious deal-breaker for me. All things considered, I will admit that this is certainly a place that needs some serious exposure and is a hidden gem in Swarna Place. A visit here is certainly warranted, and is a cocoon of comfort that promises a highly enjoyable experience.

Written by Rohitha Perera