Flutter, the flags of peace

Who would think of the Fort Railway Station as a place for art connois- seurs to meet and discuss art-as a deep, philosophical issue? But what most of us forget is that it is a place where people from all walks of life come together. Perhaps the most appropriate place where they can be comfortable, and appreciate art in all its forms.

It is for such people that the flag exhibition, titled 'Artists Against War' was held last week. The theme they had decided on was complemented by Bob Dylan's classic song, 'Blowing in the Wind,' which talks about the destruction caused by war, and the blindness of man toward it.

Standing tall and fluttering in the wind in front of the Fort Railway Station were 20 painted flags, all on themes against war.

An organisation of contemporary artists known as "Nuthana Sithuwam Wansaya" was behind the show, introducing the concept of art in open spaces, hitherto unheard of in Sri Lanka.

Secretary of the organisation Ajantha Kumara said it was a show for the common man who could not or would not, want to enter an art gallery and enjoy contemporary art.

Here, in the open space in front of the railway station, there were no hushed voices, no planned lighting. Neither are the paintings traded like in an art gallery.

The exhibition is sponsored by the National Integration Programme Unit (NIPU) at a cost of Rs. 350,000.

Artists from all walks of life, such as University students, lecturers and Buddhist monks contributed. Among some of the well known names, are those of Jagath Weerasinghe, Indrajith Wewalage and Anoli Perera. They have contributed 10 flags bringing the total display of flags to 20.

Reverend Katuwana Piyananda Thera's painting was titled "Death of Innocence." A Tibetan artist Balbir Bodh has painted a flag full of birds.

The emphasis was, however, not only on the flags. Cultural programmes, such as street plays, discussions, musical programmes and dancing, too were used to convey the message.

All were welcome to join in the festivities, and the response was very heartening, Kumara said.

He said it showed the need for forms of art and for the display of art, that was more accessible by the common man.

The artists were seen seated outside the railway station, proudly watching the passers-by admire their work. They had been sitting there since the exhibition opened on September 13, Kumara said adding that they would probably go on a planned tour as well. The organisation plans to take the exhibition to Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Polonnaruwa and Ratnapura.

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