Uniqueness of a canvas
S. H. Sarath exhibition at Lionel Wendt :
Aravinda HETTIARACHCHI
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S. H. Sarath |
The art of S. H. Sarath has a remarkable factor in the painting
history of post-colonial Sri Lanka. The uniqueness of his art emerges
from the commonality he conveys in his canvas compared with his
contemporary painters. And his artistic vocabulary has been formed
especially with this commonness created fusing the Lankan tradition and
the contemporary life. In this sense, his paintings are fairly modern
regarding the era we pass through following colonialism.
He is a different type of a character. He changes his mood into
different types of brush colors according to the context. For example,
he once wanted to brush and color about war, he used only black and
white. Thus he never hesitated to change his style into a better move
for the sake practical relevance.
Sarath held his first group exhibition in 1972 at the Lionel Wendt
Gallery and his first solo exhibition in 1974. This silent but profound
character revolts against the manacles and the disparities of the
society.
He is a sort of a campaigner of 'protest art' in 1979 and proved to
be a groundbreaking trendsetter in brush and its colours.
"My aesthetic vocabulary is essentially the experience of Weligama,
where fauna and flora, fishing boats and market were part of everyday
life." Said Sarath.
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Sarath’s works |
Sarath was born into a beautiful and culturally rich village in
Weligama, Matara, where artists naturally slow-paced superstitious Bali
Tovil, lovely folks and the surrounding. They were his first best life
catching environment of paintings.
Sarath's artistic interest diverts in two directions: he searches the
source of art in mythology (in religion and folklore) and, secondly his
contemporary life which he turn out to be his own main form of
expression. In this second interest, he always tried to give a social
message and a theme on poverty, pollution and social injustice.
And If you look through subtly, you could find that his brushstroke
technicalities are thoroughly influenced by Piccaso, Monet and Degas.
Yet he still keeps his uniqueness in the context of South Asia in his
canvas.
"I have never been exposed to international artistes or their work.
At the time painting was reserved for the upper class that could afford
time and leisure. My middle class family didn't like me taking it up as
a profession though they supported me. It was sheer persistence and
stubborn perseverance through hardship and criticism that got me here."
S. H. Sarath will have his painting exhibition at Lionedl Wendt
Gallery from August 17 to 19 from 10am to 8:30pm. The next exhibition
will be held at the Artist's Gallery from August 22 to September 7.
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