Arts

“I became overwhelmed, fed up; I sought a complete change. I went in search of goodness,” says Jagath Ravindra, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known contemporary artists.

Until 2003, negative themes of isolation and destruction dominated his art. His apathetic outlook was a reflection of modern society, the ugliness he saw and experienced.

Was it an enlightening incident or personal encounter that caused his abrupt change in perspective? Not quite, he responds, it was more to do with reaching a saturation point where he no longer wished to see the negative but actively sought to look beyond with an optimistic eye – “I reawakened.”

Jagath feels that this sentiment of “reawakening” is especially true in today’s context with more people looking for a more positive aesthetic, a desire to escape or alienate oneself from harsh reality. He explains, “The struggle lies in searching for goodness, be it within oneself or in society, amidst all the distractions, challenges and destruction. One has to fight against negativity and darkness to emerge triumphant.”

Exploring this spiritual theme further, Jagath’s latest exhibition is being held at the Paradise Road Galleries until December 29.

Jagath has a penchant for bold hues, which he feels best emphasises the conceptual intensity of his art. He selects contrasting colours because the theme is one of a struggle. This struggle exists both philosophically and physically. “From a technical perspective, it is thrilling for me as an artist to see the conflict I wish to portray coming together with the conflict between different colours on a canvas,” he explains.

Utilising acrylics and large brushstrokes, Jagath enjoys working on wide canvases, several feet long. Not only does it afford him a sense of freedom and space but he also feels that his message and ideas are too extensive to be represented as small images. When painting, he has a particular idea in mind and he works quickly to make it a reality on the canvas.

A main source of inspiration for Jagath is the expansive sky. “I love to place my head back and just stare at the sky,” he says. In fact, elements of the sky like wisps of cloud and stray sun’s rays are depicted in his vivid paintings. From the texture of a naturally aged wall to the deep hues of a gerbera flower, the abstract artist is inspired by fleeting impressions from everyday life. After obtaining his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies in the University of Kelaniya, Jagath followed a postgraduate diploma course in archaeology at the same university. “I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology, history, philosophy and psychology. I also feel that studying such subjects, particularly philosophy, helps me to critically view my art,” he explains. Currently he is completing his Master of Social Sciences at the Kelaniya University.