A Piece of Gentleness

Artist: Lakshika Rajapaksha
Medium: Charcoal and white pastel on paper
Size: 12 × 8 in (30.5 × 20.3 cm)
Year: 2024

A Piece of Gentleness portrays nature as a gentle, abundant gift to humanity, one that brings peace and harmony.

She lies upon the water, and its soothing touch shows in her eyes and in the soft smile across her face. She looks away, yet the sunlight, asking nothing in return, finds her through the shadows and lights her face, while blooming flowers add their glow.

The flowers and leaves she holds, bathed in refracted light, make her appear softer still. Small flowers and fruits grow in the shelter of her hands, inviting bees to rest in the purity nature has given her. Dew-covered leaves brush against her, as if inviting her to grow with them beneath the branches.

About the artist

Lakshika Rajapaksha is a Sri Lankan artist from Bandarawela. Working in charcoal, white pastel and oil, he captures the moments that pass almost unnoticed (tenderness, longing, quiet joy), with nature and light as constant, sheltering presences. Read the full biography