Two emerging artists hold second exhibition
Teran Indika and Harshan Gamage, two emerging artists, will hold their second exhibition -“Repetition” on June 16, 17 and 18 at the Sapumal Foundation. Their first exhibition titled “Entrance” was held in January 2016 at the J.D.A. Perera Gallery.
Harshan Gamage’s creation with polythene
In their 2016 exhibition, Harshana explored the limitations and adverse effects of materialism and consumerism while Teran explored the theme of visual pollution which disfigures our cities.
Harsana Kumarasiri
This year the artists have looked to develop these themes in different ways.
Harshana’s use of polythene, made his work a bit controversial due to the negative publicity the material seems to generate. However, ‘to be controversial’ was never Harshana’s intention.
Harshana who hails from Tangalle, states that his work is heavily influenced by the way in which he saw polythene being used in society – a “world of polythene”, from people using them as shopping bags to children in his hometown tying a piece of string to the bag and making it a kite.
By incorporating polythene in his art, Harshana is using this everyday material in a way that people can relate to his work. He uses the discarded ‘garbage’ related polythene bags to create some sort of aesthetic appeal. The bright colours, the “wow factor” Harshan describes, of the polythene will draw viewers. The bright colours derived from a ‘negative’ material allow him as an artist to form a link between societal problems and art.
Teran Indika's creation
His partner Teran’s work is inspired by the art of the Kandyan period. Teran who enjoys sculpting has studied books like Prof. Senake Bandaranayake’s “The Rock and Wall Paintings of Sri Lanka”. “I bring a two-dimensional painting to a three-dimensional visual,” he says. Teran’s work which he calls “experimental” and an “accidental process” sees him experimenting with new materials in sculpture such as resin among the usual work done with clay.
For their exhibition ‘Repetition’, Teran will be showcasing figures from the 18th and 19th Century medieval temple wall paintings – recreating them in a new three- dimensional (3D) aesthetic shape, texture,colouretc and encasing them in resin. He seeks a connection with traditional religious art retelling it in a way that would be relevant, perhaps, to current times.
Teran Indika
“Repetition” will be on June 16, 17 and 18 at the Sapumal Foundation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition preview will be on June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance to the exhibition is free.