Ian Bertram On WTF

14 September 2016

What - A Hot Butter Collective Event
When - September 17
Where - Barefoot Gallery

Today on WTF, I give some insight into a man who is very talented and who has been spending five long weeks in Sri Lanka, to create his work for us to see at the Barefoot Gallery.

Ian Bertram is an illustrator based in New York. His professional career has seen him work for “DC Comics”, “Marvel & Dark Horse”, working on famed titles such as Batman, X-men and Wolverine.

In his personal work, he is interested in uncovering the hedonistic and fatalistic nature of Man vs Self. By combining precise, meditative mark making with visceral and sudden actions, he creates mystical, grotesque and primal portraits of ‘ennui’ and the strange byways of drawing and painting techniques.

With his time in Sri Lanka, he has found new ways in making art come alive and when he learnt of batik he had to try his luck at it too, and when he was spending time at Chrys Fernandopulle’s studio I got a chance to sit with him for a chat. Ian has fallen in love with Colombo and says "I love the spirit here, and also the driving is exciting!"

And he says "Thanks to the Hot Butter Collective I’ve been able to put up a few murals in Colombo and will be having a show at Barefoot Gallery on September 17."

And art has been a part of his life for a long time, "I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, but around the age of 13 I found there was a need to create. I was hungry for new ideas, confused, angry, fearful, and hopeful. Drawing felt like the only tool I had at the time for unpacking myself and the world around me. The image of pulling fully-formed butterflies out of a void comes to mind."

You must take a look at the video to see all his good times in Colombo and Arugam Bay
and hope to see you at the show!

Today on WTF

Video and photographs by You’re My Favorite
Hair and make up by Capello Salons
Transport Partner: PickMe
Outfit: JUMP Clothing

Danu Innasithamby

Danu Innasithamby is proof that one person can survive on coffee, curiosity, and an unhealthy number of WhatsApp messages. A television host, actor, producer, writer, and professional chatterbox, he’s spent years turning conversations into stories and stories into memorable television. Born in Jaffna and proudly calling Sri Lanka home, Danu has built a career around asking the questions everyone else is thinking—but with a smile that usually gets him out of trouble. Whether he’s interviewing celebrities, hosting major events, judging competitions, or chasing the next great story, there’s never really a dull moment. When he’s not on screen, he’s busy supporting local talent, championing meaningful causes through Sri Lankan Smile, or convincing himself that “just one more project” is a perfectly reasonable life choice. Known for his humour, colourful suits, quick wit, and the ability to make almost anyone laugh, Danu believes life is best lived with good conversations, great food, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. If you spot him, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly part of an interview… or at least a really entertaining conversation.