Closing a chapter

Artist Chrys Hill talks of his experience in Sri Lanka and addiction to art in his farewell exhibition “The Sri Lankan Pages”

By Ursula Gonsalves

Hanging up the last of his paintings at the kOOii Art Space, joking that he had his doubts if he could pull it off before the exhibition kicked off at 3:00 p.m. that very Saturday afternoon, Chrys was in high spirits. This being his first exhibition in Sri Lanka, New Zealand artist and teacher Chrys Hill was preparing himself for what he called his ‘Farewell Celebration’.

Chrys Hill with his creations

Chrys reminisced that he always drew and painted various sketches and pictures from a tender age, and was supported by his brothers, who encouraged him to continue drawing. The intention of becoming a Marine Biologist, which was his childhood dream, took a backseat and Chrys found his passion for art growing along with his age. Ultimately, as a student of prominent New Zealand artist Colin McCahon at the Auckland University, Chrys realized he wanted follow a career that revolved around art and creativity. “Colin McCahon was a person who introduced modern art styles to New Zealand. He was thought of as a god of art. He was my inspiration and push towards becoming a professional artist.” The mark of the guru shows in the creations of the student, where text has been used as part of some images. He then followed with a Master of Fine Arts post graduate degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Melbourne, Australia.
Having had the desire to teach and share his knowledge with any willing student who cared for art as much as he did, Chrys pursued a career as an art teacher, after a brief stint in book-keeping. “I have no idea why I did that!” jokes Chrys, “It happens I guess.” Later on, when an opportunity presented itself in the form of a teaching position in Malaysia, Chrys confessed he had to take the chance. “New Zealand is located in one corner of the world, and it struck me that I can actually continue my profession abroad. I was excited to find out what a country like Malaysia had to offer. It was intrigue and curiosity that pulled me away from New Zealand.” After a couple of years in Malaysia, the next thing he knew, Chrys was on his way to Hong Kong, filling another teaching position. This pattern led him to a job offer in Sri Lanka as the art teacher at the Overseas School of Colombo two years back.

The Hope of Random Flight

The exposure he acquired in these two years towards Sri Lanka’s culture, history and society is the basis of his art exhibition, aptly named ‘The Sri Lankan Pages’. It reflects upon the places visited and experience gained during his stay in the country, and these moments are represented as a collected experience. “Memories are fragments… ” mused Chrys, “and I have brought certain fragments together to create a bigger picture. History and culture has played a big part in this country, and after visiting locations such as Sigiriya, I was impressed with this civilisation. I knew about the Sri Lankan cricket team, simply because the New Zealanders lost to them most of the time!” Chrys grinned. “But once I came to Sri Lanka, I realized that there was such a proud history behind the country. Ancient kingdoms mixed with a Buddhist heritage… I was blown away.”
Chrys also emphasised on the fact that he was well aware that he is a guest in this country. “I want everyone to know that this is a visitor’s view of Sri Lanka. These depictions are a westerner’s perception of this country. Especially when it comes to drawings of the Buddha, I realize that there is a lot of pride and honour involved. I checked many times if it was possible for me to paint a sketch of Lord Buddha on canvas. I pursued it once I was positive I wasn’t being disrespectful of their faith or beliefs.”
Chrys’s work uses the serialization and repetition of individual units sometimes scattered across the wall, or in this case, arranged neatly in grid formation. He frequently includes a variety of techniques in a single work and brings out his fascination with all that is Sri Lankan. When questioned on his unique art forms, Chrys jokes “There are canvases, collages, I print some, I paint some… got all sorts of things going on here!”
At first reluctant to choose his favourite creation, Chrys gave in and confessed that it will have to be ‘The Hope of Random Flight’, a grid section filled with images of dragonflies. Bringing out an aura of the true artist in him, he explains, “I’m fascinated by them, and the number of dragonflies that I sometimes come across this area is just mind blowing. I watch their wings glisten in the sunlight, and it speaks volumes to me. It’s like some hidden hope… Hope of what this country is capable of becoming!”

Chrys also pointed out that displaying his art at the kOOii Art Space provides him an opportunity to share his work with his friends, students and their families within a homely atmosphere. “I don’t want anyone to feel like outsiders. This is a place where I’m comfortable in, and want to make sure that everyone else would feel the same, and would associate me with this peaceful environment.”
Once his anticipated ‘Farewell Celebration’ comes to a close, Chrys will move on yet again to a new destination, this time, Jordan. “I’ve been living in Asia for over 10 years now. I think the Middle-East region is next in line!” he said. Asked of his future plans, Chrys responded, “I will retire one day in New Zealand, but till then I will surely be travelling. The idea of experiencing new things and meeting new people just keeps me going. I realize art and travel is not only my passion now, it is an addiction!”