Sansara: A canvas of despair
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Nuwan Nalaka had initially planned a different series of work for his new exhibition, a selection of which are presented in the Cacti series of paintings, but he was so overwhelmed by the impact of the pandemic that he felt compelled to make this collection titled ‘Sansara’ which portrays the sheer suffering and despair currently endured by so many people around the world.
While raw energy produced by the ongoing pandemic dominates his latest work, he strives to emphasise the collective strength of humanity that has emerged in this universal experience; the silver linings that will usher the crisis through to its natural end.
Sansara utilises the symbols explored in Nuwan’s previous showcase Sutra at the Saskia Fernando Gallery.
Sutra mainly refers to the Lotus Sutra, a quintessential text in the philosophy of Buddhism. Nuwan previously immersed his thoughts within the microcosm of the lotus pond in order to reflect on the relationship between society and spirituality. In Sansara, he explores these ideas further, but within the context of the global pandemic.
The artist presents a stark collection of largely monochromatic paintings, filled with energetic brushstrokes and subtle washes of watercolour paint.
Sansara by Nuwan Nalaka presented by the Saska Fernando gallery can be viewed online until September 17.