Pushing boundaries through art
“With this collection, perception is part of the medium; there’s this idea that ‘If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?’ Similarly, with these pieces, the way they are perceived will vary and that perception can change too so you need to engage with it – it demands communication and interaction.”
Kavan Balasuriya’s latest exhibition titled ‘Lightlines’ was unveiled at the Saskia Fernando Gallery on September 30. Colombo-born, Kavan returned to the country from London for this fourth solo exhibition. A graduate from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts London, with a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and a BA in Fine Art, Kavan has also participated in Cinnamon Colomboscope, Colombo Art Biennale, Colombo Fashion Week, the Galle Literary Festival and Serendipity Arts Festival.
Developing an affinity for working with unconventional materials over the last few years, this exhibition showcases drawings and engravings made primarily with aluminium foil along with some ink drawings. Initially he experimented with plastics and polythene but has since shifted to incorporating recyclable materials to create abstract textures and drawings. Utilising materials outside the traditional sphere of art facilitates an understanding of the synthetic landscapes we now inhabit, he says and alternative materials are effective in exploring the boundaries of drawing and draughtsmanship. “These materials bring about their own set of challenges but there’s something appealing about having to feel and figure things out while working on a piece instead of going by the book.”
“One of the key themes here is movement and stillness and these pictures, they kind of follow you around,” explains Kavan. ” While they are static there’s this layer of motion to it but I still consider these drawings and for me it’s about pushing the boundaries and definition about what a drawing can be and also what it can do.”
‘Lightlines’ will continue until October 29 at the Saskia Fernando Gallery, No. 41, Horton Place, Colombo 7 from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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