Taboo, idiomatic expression of sexuality?

Ishara Jayawardane

Dinusha Uthpala Upasena must have got full marks on the questions concerning procreation at the school examination. In a different life he would be a professor in the field of studies related to sexuality. However Dinusha is an artist who is preoccupied with sexuality which he says is considered taboo by Society. He considers it a problem that is festering in society. In fact Sexuality is the main theme of his exhibition he says. He feels that society has not fully grasped the concept of sexuality or the understanding of sexuality. He feels that the sexual exploitation of men and women in society is due to this incorrect understanding of sexuality.

"We live in a society where people are uncomfortable and afraid to talk about issues relating to sexuality. Talking about sex is discouraged in society. There is no proper place for them to obtain knowledge concerning sexuality. Because of the suppression of these feelings the mind becomes sick. This is because a proper understanding of sexuality is not there. It is also important that you do not become a slave of sexuality. You must move beyond sexuality. Beyond being a carnal state it is also an educative state of mind," said Dinusha.

Me meeting Dinusha was like a layman meeting a mystic. Sort of like a Swiss Banker meeting an African Bushman. The two of us were at different ends of a spectrum. To correctly understand Dinusha is to stand his own shoes.

And to stand in his shoes, the reader and I will have to look at things through his perspective. And that is not very easy being at different ends. Dinusha feels that Sexuality is a gift of nature.

"In the entwining of man and woman one cannot attain supreme fulfillment with the presence of the 'I', self' or 'ego'. With the loss of the 'I' , it is then that both individuals become one. Both man and woman loses their individuality. Two become one. The mind becomes passive here. The mind becomes calm. Where both are joined in a moment.

A moment in time with no past or present. This peace and lightness can be obtained through sexual fulfillment. It is this state that humans have not quite comprehended. Unlike animals man has the capacity to understand this."

Most would feel shocked at these sentiments expressed by this young man who walked into Lake House as he goes onto say that Semi nude Females are often depicted in various media. He feels that we must become more accepting of nudity and treat it as something normal without given undue prominence which will lead to social evils. The more it is exacerbated the more we will see evils in society.

Meeting Dinusha was like meeting a man who had turned the world upside down! His exhibition will be on display from June 14 to 16 at the Lionel Wendt from 9am - 8pm. The Opening will be on June 14 at 5pm. This is his second solo exhibition. He has done 18 groups exhibitions.