Arts
Sri Lanka from different angles
Capturing the melting pot of cultures that makes up Sri Lanka, 15 photographers from the Photography Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) have been invited by the Photographic Society of Japan (PSJ) to collaborate with them on their project “Month of Photography Tokyo -2018”.
Sameera Kotelawala
The annual exhibition will showcase the works of international photographers under the category “Asia Photographers”, celebrating their craft in four galleries in and around Japan during the months of May/ June.
Titled “The Sacred & Beautiful Island – Sri Lanka” , the exhibition will feature on the work of 15 selected photographers – Henry Rajakaruna, Panduka De Silva, Ravi Ranasinghe, Shehan Trek, Pandula Bandara, Sameera Kotelawala, R. H. Samarakone, Ranjani Perera, Chandrasena Perera, Inoka Dias, Nayomi Thomas, Hiranthi De Silva, Mahinda Jeevananda, Marcel Bandaranaike and Mohan Gurusinghe. Their pictures will highlight the many aspects of the country from its people, their lifestyles, religions, culture, infrastructure etc.
On May 29 to June 26 Henry Rajakaruna, Panduka De Silva, Ravi Ranasinghe and Shehan Trek will be displaying their work at the Canon S Gallery in Tokyo. The Nikon, Gallery 1 will feature works by Mahinda Jeevananda, Hiranthi De Silva, Mohan Gurusinghe and Marcel Bandaranaike from May 29 to June 4. R. H. Samarakone, Pandula Bandara, Ranjani Perera and Sameera Kotelawala will exhibit their pictures from June 1 to June 7 at the Sony Gallery whilst Chandrasena Perera, Inoka Dias and Nayomi Thomas will present their work from May 28 to June 3 at the Place M Gallery.
Five members of the PSSL along with its President Romesh De Silva and Vice President Shamini Atukorala will visit Japan to be a part of the opening ceremony and deliver talks at the galleries.
Dating back to 1906, the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka has enjoyed a rich history of capturing moments – promoting photography as a hobby, art and craft. Founded as the Amateur Photographic Association of Ceylon by Henry Lorenz Wendt, the society was renamed and revamped by Lionel Wendt who further developed the work initiated by his late father.
To date the society continues to thrive – conducting competitions, programmes and activities to keep their members engaged. One of the society’s much awaited events on their calendar is their annual international competition which will be celebrating its 63rd anniversary this year.
The invitation to attend the PSJ exhibition was extended last year, the PSSL sent in submissions by 15 members only to be pleasantly surprised that all 15 were chosen to exhibit their work.
Some images: Chandrasena Perera, Pandula Bandara
Speaking to the current president of the society Romesh De Silva on the pictures submitted he shares “The pictures look like realistic paintings!” He elaborates that although the invited photographers are professionals in their craft, photography is a hobby for most. The members of PSSL who come from all walks of life have dipped their fingers into a variety of professions and skills thus allowing them to capture realistic images of Sri Lanka as they themselves are a reflection of the melting pot of identities in our country.
“The serenity of the pictures can be seen from the softness of the captured subjects” Romesh states adding that the friendliness of the people, the power of religion, the beauty of nature are just flavours of the country which these photographers have managed to capture on film.
TP