Launch of “George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image”
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A comprehensive new book on Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent painter, ‘George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image’ written by Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda was launched at the Residence at Cinnamon Life on Tuesday, January 23. The launch was attended by members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from the media, advertising, academia, civil society and the corporate world.
Published by the Taprobane Collection, ‘George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image’ places Keyt in the context of his times, focusing on areas that have not been studied in relation to his career.
The book features paintings, photographs, illustrations, and images hitherto unpublished and archive material. It also features interviews with people who knew or knew of Keyt, including the historian K. M. de Silva, the American anthropologist Ellen Dissanayake, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Godfrey Gunatilleke, Tilak Samarawickrema, and Keyt’s daughter Diana.
Author Dr SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda speking at the launch
Recognised not just in Sri Lanka but also India, George Keyt (1901-1993) shaped the course of cultural modernism across the region. He associated closely with the leading modern Indian artists of his day, including the novelist Mulk Raj Anand and the painter M. F. Husain. The book sheds light on these aspects of his career, drawing from both written and oral sources.
The book also explores his early career, where he embraced Buddhism and came under the influence of Kandyan art and culture. The book incorporates archival material from this period, including a series of his line drawings that depict stories from the life of the Buddha, among other subjects, as well as several of his poems, essays, and stories.
Speaking at the launch, Dr SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda reflected on Keyt’s evolution. Research Coordinator Uditha Devapriya also spoke, while the owner and curator of the Taprobane Collection Shamil Peiris in his address emphasized the importance and relevance of the study, and the Collection’s efforts at promoting Sri Lankan art through exhibitions and publications.
George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image is available at leading bookstores. For more information, the publisher can be contacted at shamilp54@gmail.com.
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