Community of colours
https://www.nisansala.com
https://www.nisansala.com

In Lionel Royer’s masterpiece – Vercingetorix throws down his arms at the feet of Julius Caesar, the mighty Caesar sits atop his throne, proud and ruthless, the conqueror surrounded by his generals, as the gallic chieftain Vercingetorix shows his submission to Caesar. His generals look at the Gallic chieftain scornfully– who could dare challenge the great Caesar! What a powerful painting!

 

Napoleon I on his Imperial Throne by Ingres shows Napoleon Emperor of the French in his glorious regalia, bringing out the Emperor’s power and authority – The phenomenon that was Napoleon. In Sandro Botticelli’s ‘The birth of Venus’, the painter has brought out the enjoyment, expression, pursuit of physical, sexual, pleasure in his depiction of the Goddess Venus. Cave painting of a horse from the Lascaux caves, circa 16,000 BP (before present) is one of the earliest attempts made by man to give his impression of the world – a physical form.

 

Art is way of expressing our soaring aspirations and expressing our fascination of the world we live in. It is way of expressing our darkest desires and our pursuit of trying to understand what it means to be human. More than uniting the world actually it is a means of challenging ourselves – how deep can we swim into the depths of our soul?

 

Recently the Lionel Wendt hosted the inauguration of a five day exhibition of art works by contemporary Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan artists that the Daily News attended. Visitors were able to see the splendid creations of these artists that adorned the walls of the Harold Peiris Gallery.

 

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, Riaz Hamidullah, said that relations between two countries are not only based on trade, commerce and investments. We must not forget art and we need to recognize it as a force that creates peace and harmony.

 

“Art can create connectivity. It can be a subtle but at the same time profound. So, we thought of ‘marrying’ our artists in other words, featuring the works of both Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans in one space and at one destination. People can then see the comparisons and differences. So, these six Bangladeshis and five Sri Lankans will be together with each other. The theme of this exhibition is ‘Peace and Harmony’. The powerful message of peace and harmony will go out through this initiative because it transcends religion and ethnicity. Art brings people close together. In a subtle way it breaks down all barriers. Art is a very liberating space,” said Hamidullah.

 

Nisansala Karunaratne, a Sri Lankan artist, deviated from her usual style of painting. Her paintings are usually peaceful and harmonious. When trying to attempt a painting that was serene, she experienced something similar to writer’s block.

 

“I was thinking- why can’t I do a painting that is untroubled and tranquil? One that is calm and peaceful? So, I realized that it has something to do with how I am affected with what is happening in my country. I feel that because of politics there is instability and turmoil. We can see that some people are trying to do some good. However, at the same time there are those trying to sow seeds of discord. I feel this is destroying my motherland. So, what I really convey in my painting comes from this turmoil that I sense,” said Karunaratne.

 

She went on to point out that the theme of the event is ‘Peace and Harmony’. It is an exchange of ideas and experiences between Bangladeshi’s and Sri Lankans.

 

“As artists we are able to create and make people think differently. We can place ideas in their minds. We need to live in peace and harmony, which would then make this world we live in a truly beautiful and wonderful place. The artists in this programme will also be going to Anuradhapura for a two day art camp in Vessagiri. We will also be staying at this cancer hospice done by the Cancer Care Association. Art is a therapy and this is how we are going to work with cancer patients,” explained Karunaratne.

 

Bangladeshi painter Bishwajit Goswami said that the event will strengthen the links between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and build bridges between our two communities. This is being done through Arts and Culture.

 

“I think these events are important if we are to progress in this modern age. Here we are all trying to share our ideas and learn from each other. This is all about sharing information. These young artists are in a process of self- discovery and self-awareness. This is a precious opportunity for all involved. So, this platform is vital as we need to join hands and journey into the future together. This experience is to be treasured and it will definitely benefit everyone involved. This is important as we will gain a greater understanding of our two cultures,” said Goswami.

 

Goswami’s words are relevant to the times we live in as there are destructive elements in the world that may try and manipulate us, turning us against one another. These programmes will help us forge bonds uniting us in love and friendship.

 

Kuntal Barai is another Bangladeshi painter, who called the event a beautiful and exciting programme.

 

“The knowledge we gained from each other is truly beneficial as it deals with all aspects of our lives. This collaboration is very enriching to the mind and an unforgettable experience. This event is personally very important to me as it brings our two communities close to each other. It has been a really eye- opening experience networking with each other. There is so much diversity with so much to learn and take in. It has really impacted our lives,” said Barai.

 

Bangladeshi Painter, Arifa Evana, stated that the event was meaningful to her because she believes in unity. She stated that for her it was a matter of pride representing Bangladesh.

 

“This is a golden opportunity to come to Sri Lanka and understand the view point of my new friends. My painting has a lot to do with my community and my home – the river and boats. It has also a lot to do with the people in my community. I try and show the beauty of this in my paintings. My surroundings and the relationships in my life influence my paintings. Humans and spaces spark my interest. I have a curious fascination with the flow of the river – its peacefulness and tranquility.

 

What I have learnt from it is that life goes on and time does not wait for you. It evokes emotion in me. I feel that the purpose of this event is to promote young artists who come from two different countries and giving them this amazing opportunity,” said Evana.