Painful Creativity
Uvindu ILLEPRUMA
The meaning of a painting or a sculpture is not known even to the
artiste who makes it. That secret lies with the work. When the maker is
asked what it means he or she would not be able to give a vivid
explanation.
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Manoranjana Herath |
That’s so with Manoranjana Herath who unveiled his exhibition to the
public at Barefoot Gallery, Colombo 3. Herath who excelled in the area
of sculpture explained his creation in allusion: “These ideas came to my
mind from the experience which still annoys me; they are experience from
our social life. I have titled my exhibition as ‘Painful Heart’.
To an artiste feelings are very important to continue his or her
creativity. In fact, feelings are the base for a creation. We can say
positively that there is nothing to worry about. Though we are rich or
poor perhaps we have reasons to feel pains. Pains mean mental agonies. I
don’t think anyone humane who lives on the earth may be enjoying the
life without pains in there minds.”
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Herath’s scuplture
Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage |
Manoranjana Hearth currently works as Head of the Department of
Sculpture, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo said ‘ The
problem in this area of this kind of art is that the students who follow
this deviate from continuing it. In fact, it is difficult to be in the
industry because this would not satisfy everyone’s expectations. Money
comes to the prominence. That’s why we cannot encourage others who have
the competency to engage in the industry. It sounds the plight of this
art.
“The problem in the University students is that they come only to get
a degree and then a government job. Most of them go for teaching. I
don’t say teaching is not a good profession. I am here because of my
teachers. But what happened is that when they become teachers is that
they would not go for an extra mile researching for a better future of
art. This area needs lot of experiments cum researches. Otherwise it
will be a static area. It means it won’t go ahead. How can an industry
go ahead when it is stagnant? So it will go into oblivion sans leaving
anything worthwhile for the next generations to come,” he further said.
When asked what measures can be taken to address this sorrowful
situation, he said: “I don’t like to advise anyone in the filed. They
have dreams to get fulfilled. The future of this area lies with the
people who love to do something new. No option other than that. Everyone
gives priority to money.
Because without money how can they keep their fires burning? I’am in
the field because I am paid and I’m a lecturer. I have a position as
well. I do my duties and I do what is in the large interest of my
ability to uplift this area. I think young people who love this will
come to save this field of art.”The exhibition ‘Painful Arts’ will
remain open for the public till November 20 at Barefoot Gallery, Colombo
3.
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