Photography may often steal the spotlight in conservation storytelling, but art holds a quiet power of its own. This idea came to life at Art for Conservation: A Journey Through the Wild, an inspiring evening hosted at the Genesis – Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future.
The session featured veteran wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira, whose work spans over five decades and 55 countries. Through a captivating presentation and an engaging discussion, he shared how his brushstrokes have turned into a lifelong mission: using art to protect the natural world.
Mr. Gamini’s paintings document more than beauty. It’s a way of reminding us of what we stand to lose, by capturing the stories of rare and endangered species – their fragility, their resilience, and the ecosystems they call home. Every piece becomes a window into the wild and a gentle invitation to care.
Art, he believes, can be a bridge between awareness and emotion. When people see a painting, they don’t just observe an animal — they connect with it. They sense its delicate place in the ecosystem. They feel the urgency of protecting habitats that are disappearing far too quickly.
The event drew a keen and thoughtful audience, all brought together by a shared belief: creativity becomes powerful when it serves a purpose. And in the world of conservation, art has the potential to transform understanding into empathy, and empathy into action.
In the end, the evening was more than an appreciation of art; it was a reminder that conservation needs many voices. Whether through a lens or a paintbrush, every creative effort helps tell the story of our natural world — and why it is worth saving.
