The ‘Cubicle Warrior’ exhibition of paintings express the artist’s interpretation of the work-life balance and other business-related themes inspired by his six years on the staff of accounting firm Ernst & Young. All of P413’s artworks have an abstract bunny character, which he claims is clearly recognizable and lighthearted. He says, to make sense, his work has to be considered in three ways: what the painting depicts, what it feels like (an emotional reaction) and empathy to his experience in the world of work.
Among the paintings are:
Leader (left) – This is P413’s take on corporate leadership. According to the artist, the bunny in the painting doesn’t have eyes, so the observer can’t identify with it. It’s defined and clear, and has a sharp edge; that’s P413’s experience of leadership. He says, “We don’t see the human side of leaders, only the shiny side.”
Inflation (center) – The artist feels Colombo is an expensive city to live in. At one point, however, this cycle is going to burst, much like the aluminum foil balloon depicted in this painting. A foil balloon won’t explode easily, it’s stronger than a rubber balloon; but if you keep inflating, it will eventually burst. So the artist questions: how long is it before Colombo’s economy bursts?
Vehicle allowance (right) – Negotiating vehicle allowance at a new workplace is a big deal in Sri Lanka. We may be the only country that places so much importance on cars, which the artist feels is nonsensical as a vehicle deteriorates over time, unlike education or health insurance.
Work-life – While the bunny character is defined in all the other paintings, it is undefined in this piece. As the most meaningful piece to the artist, he claims to have realized that work and life cannot exist in two separate boxes. Work is a part of life.
The exhibition will be on display at Saskia Fernando Gallery (41 Horton Place, Colombo 7) until 23 March 2016. All paintings are priced at Rs110,000 (each)