Paint to win: Dr Shiromali “Shiro” Ekanayake won the Shepparton Festival’s 2023 Call to Create competition.
Photo by
Cam Matheson
There’s a doctor in the house at Shepparton Festival.
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But she’s not there to monitor art lovers’ blood pressure as the excitement of the festival heightens; she’s amid the artists themselves.
Dr Shiromali “Shiro” Ekanayake won the Shepparton Festival’s 2023 Call to Create competition.
The competition was open for community members to submit their artwork, with the winning piece used to form the basis for the 2024 festival’s promotional material.
Shiro’s portraits captivated the competition’s selection panel with their energetic brushstrokes, conveying vibrancy and mystery.
As a result, festival director Kristen Retallick has curated a solo exhibition of Shiro’s artwork to be displayed at Goulburn Valley Hospice, an organisation that supports individuals and their loved ones during end-of-life care.
Drawing on her experience as a general practitioner in Shepparton, Shiro’s exhibition catalyses her belief in the healing power of art as a therapeutic refuge.
Swapping stethoscopes for brushstrokes, her paintings and collages present art as care, a vessel for meditation, and an escape into a realm of uplifting emotions.
It delves into human emotion, often depicting the many people Shiro said had deeply impacted her life.
“Art, in all its forms, has always been a part of my family,” she said.
“My art has been impacted by a number of people, including my beloved mother, master of words; my unwavering spouse; my lovely children who helped me construct a life full of so much joy; and my father, a sturdy rock who encouraged youth to seek creativity as a professional ambition.”
Near and dear to her art: Shiro’s portraits often depict the many people who have deeply impacted her life.
In addition to the exhibition, Shiro will give an artist talk on Friday, April 12, as part of the 2024 festival program.
Attendees will be offered insights into Shiro’s creative process, inspirations, and experiences – particularly during COVID-19.
The global pandemic allowed her to explore her artistic passion as she transformed everyday upcycled materials into expressive canvases.
Shiro created a serene environment through her art amid the chaos to instil positivity and resilience in her community.
Her artwork is not only visually stunning but also embodies Shiro’s generous spirit, spreading love and kindness to those around her.
Shiro’s self-titled exhibition will be held at Goulburn Valley Hospice, 102 Balaclava Rd, Shepparton.
The exhibition will run from April 5 to 22 on weekdays from 8.30am to 5pm.
The ‘Shiro – Artist Talk’ event is on Friday, April 12, from 5.30pm to 7pm, at Goulburn Valley Hospice.
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