How adventurous and creative did I expect the employees of Virtusa, a global information technology serviced company, which provided IT consulting, technology implementations and application outsourcing services to be? Technology and the Arts, I thought, were premises far part. But on examining the creations, I found my hypothesis proved wrong. Instead, I found a unique selection of treasures for photographic lovers with beautifully crafted pictures, under two Main themes; ‘Simplicity through clarity’ and ‘Simplicity through agility’

“Silver Pixels 2009” was an exploration of “simplicity” through breathtaking and unforgettable imagery. The winning picture for “clarity”, titled “water marvel” captured the spectacular wonder of a single dew drop soaking and reflecting blue shaded atmospheric light. The 1st runner up “Starburst” was an abstract merger of ‘beigy browny’ colours, skillfully creating a star shaped explosion. “Purity and transparency”, a magnificent overheard ocean shot, which emerged second runner up, captured the tranquil limpidness of a still turquoise, untouched ocean. In contrast, the “agility” category comprised daring and fast moving depictions.

Winning shot “Magarita Blue” was a dangerous yet electrifying underwater close up of a group of jellyfish. First runner up “Hanging by a moment”, also a display of a close encounter with a poisonous creature, is a close up of a strikingly green and coiled up viper. “The master of sky”, the second runner up photograph meanwhile is a majestic shot of a soaring, regal eagle about to seize his prey. Photographs of an adorable leopard cub perched upon a tree, a close up on a leopard quenching its thirst by a water hole and some lovable doggie portraits were among some animal shots that caught my eye.

In addition, cleverly designed photographs of aero planes surfing the clouds, other form of aero dynamics, architectural marvels in the twilight, and objects expertly placed next to one another showcasing stunning colour contrasts noticeably fell within the realms of abstract art. Simpler and more scenic pictures of natural scenery and dazzling views were illustrated wondrously through trees, hill, water falls and gardens. In this manner, there were many other captions of well known historical landmarks, alongside mesmerizing landscapes, awe inspiring still shots and intrepid action shots. These works were offered to photography and art lovers at affordable prices.

Merit awards were also gifted to the photographers; with the main winners presented luxurious weekend get-aways to the Habarana Lodge, the Yala Village hotel and the Fortress, Galle. A true incentive to pursue your hidden talents, I thought! From a collection of over two hundred exhibits, the winners were selected by Sri Lanka’s venerated photography icons, Dominic Sansoni and Mithra Weerakoon.

The judges said that they were greatly impressed by the exhibition’s diversity and outstanding standards of photography. They commended the great timing, precision lighting and focusing on clever ideas and effects, on some of the photographs. Nirdesha Munasinghe, Suvini Gunawardena, Hirantha Pushpakumara, Peshele Randeni, Dinoo Perera and Ruwan Bakmedeniya were deemed the 2009 Silver Pixel winners, with their prized photographs published in the famed Virtusa coffee table book.

The exhibition was declared open by the chief guest, British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes, and drew a large audience, with the attendance of Sri Lanka’s photographic veterans and experts. Dr. Hayes commented that he was impressed by the high standards of creativity, and the themes explored by the photographers which had divers yet deep meaning. I an elegant function with finger food and fine wine, I too found myself greatly absorbed by the extended meanings that the photographs portrayed, be it freedom, peace, majesty, action or adventure.

As the chief guest’s favourite photograph, the high commissioner picked a simple yet outstanding photograph, aptly titled “Outstanding.” It was an artistic illustration of a lonely yet vibrantly blossoming tree, standing alone amid a field of grass, in Yala. The effervescent red flowers contrasted brilliantly with the somber green background. Dr. Hayes commented that the simplicity of the pictures added to its beauty and depth.

Virtusa was in fact the first Information Technology Company in Sri Lanka to launch a digital photography competition for its employees, and it seems an appropriate step in the right direction. Abiding by “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, or “Jill a dull girl” as the case maybe, the company creates an evident opportunity for employee creativity. “Silver Pixels 2009” is then, the testament of this creativity.