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| Wednesday, 03 November 2004 |
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Urban and the individual Varying interpretations and expositions by G.R. Constantine A group exhibition of paintings entitled Urban and the Individual will be held at the Phenomenal Space Gallery, 35, Galle Face Court, Galle Road, Colombo 3 from November 6-10. "Urban and the individual" is an exhibition which tries to bring forth various aspects of the discourse between an individual and the modern society. Its prime idea is to examine the easy/uneasy relationship between an individual and modernity. From the time of colonial days individuals in this country have been trying to come to terms and live with the effects of westernization.
Our social value systems and cultural roots invariably impose constant challenge in this endeavour. However much we may think that we are successful in overcoming this cultural paradox, in the hearts of hearts we feel the alienation from time to time. This cultural paradox is felt mostly in the urban settings. As the consumerist culture engulfs us into what could be called the globalisation process we feel the alienation more and more and the need for identity. Though our country gained 'independence' from the colonial rulers, the power was handed down to the elite of this society who were created to ape the colonial masters and who have become the agents of 'neo colonization'. Our education system and governing systems were altered according to principles founded on alien cultural context. This in effect created a dual value system. The common man's - a powerless individual who is dependant on this system - plight in this system is precarious. The exhibition will display a variety of present day art practices in the Sri Lankan art scene. The art works will include paintings, installations and performances by contemporary artist. Most of the artworks represented in this exhibition examine the role of market forces in moulding the contemporary individual's 'neo colonial mind set' and they repeatedly remind us of the consumerist culture we are immersed in. Sri Lankan art scene has seen 'beautiful' artifacts under the banner of modern art. However, there has been a new wave in the creative arena since early '90s. The found objects and the non-sellable arts have become an important part in the art practice. Art practice and appreciation has become an integrated process. Art works are moving away from the gallery wall and becoming three dimensional in form. More and more younger artists are adopting this trend. This trend runs parallel with the trends in the international art scene. The activities of Theertha International Artists Collective have epitomized this trend. Since its inception Theertha International Artists Collective has conducted international artist camps mainly focusing on installations and performance art. Its first group exhibition 'Aham Puram' was held at the Jaffna Public Library in September 2004. The present exhibition 'Urban and the individual' is the second group exhibition organized by the Theertha International Artists Collective. Eleven contemporary artists are participating in this exhibition. They are: Pala Pothupitiya, Anoli Perera, G.R. Constantine, Jagath Weerasinghe, Sarath Kumarasiri, Prasanna Ranabahu, Bandu Mannamperi, Pradeep Thelawathage, Arjuna Gunaratne, Anura Krishantha, Pushpakumara Koralagedera, Kusal Gunasekara, Sarath Premasinghe, Nilanthy Weerasekara, Niganthy Kumari, Jannany Cooray, Torin Chandrasekara, and Chamari Thapaswarage. Pala Pothupitiya's works represent the tension between the modernity and tradition. His depiction of traditional Kandyan dancing head gear with colourful lights reminds us of the metropolitan environment and its inherent cultural paradox. His traditional head gear with western dress stress the inevitability of a mind laden with traditional values and outward modernization. Jagath Weerasinghe's archaeological objects represent the elements that stand as the actual unifying artifacts of globalization. The Bic razor and the match box are omnipresent in present day. They are used across geographical and cultural boundaries. One fine day these objects are going to reveal to the posterity that there was globalization during this period. Jagath's and Constantine's combined work on the Marlboro man and the advertising symbols illustrate the impossibility of bridging the gap between the different groups of people. These works depict the commonness and the distance between groups of human beings using the same imagery. Pradeep Thalawathuge is a promising young talent among the artists of the present trend. His ability to use mixed media work comprising simple plain images to bring forth powerful effect is a rare talent. His work at this exhibition portrays the effects of the consumerist culture. Anoli Perera a well-known artist who has worked extensively on feminist themes has deviated from that to show versatility on the question of urbanization. Her work revolves around the superficial nature of urban artifacts which has become inseparable symbols of modern environ. This is a unique exhibition in that it focuses on an idea. Varying types of interpretations and expositions are represented through a wide range of art forms. **** Back **** |
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