Using art to resolve conflict

By Arrenga Nadaraja

Using art and photography as tools for effective dispute resolution in Sri Lanka was the focus of a discussion at the MMCA (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka) on October 18.

Held by MMCA and SEDR (Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution), an organisation working to enhance the availability of alternative dispute resolution practices in the Uva, Northern, and Eastern provinces, the discourse highlighted the need to encourage, implement and promote alternative dispute resolution methods.

Sandev Handy (one of two curators) 

Through art and photography, the MMCA and SEDR aim to initiate broader community engagement, encourage new relationships and promote peaceful conflict resolution.

The exhibition “Total Landscaping” now on at MMCA examines how land has changed over the years in Sri Lanka. As it goes beyond the traditional, it also looks into our relationship with the land and how this can be a big part of where disputes arise within a community or country.

The exhibition also examines how the three artists have been responding to conflict issues.

Artist. Pradeep Thalawatta (B.1979) "The Sound of Silence; Nowhere to Go (2019). 

Land disputes are among the most common issues faced by communities. One of the featured artists, Anoma, presented a 40-minute film that looks into the history of Ampara, focusing on how communities settled in the region and how land disputes have led to the displacement of people. Her work addressed the experiences of women and uses the land to deep dive further into exploring Ampara.

One key point is how communities can use art to have deeper and more meaningful conversations with others. Another point reiterated was the need to examine what is underneath and recognise the core issues. It was noted that Sri Lanka currently relies on two primary methods for settling conflicts: violence or legal proceedings, which can last up to 12 years or more. There is also the issue of inaction, where disputes become stagnant and remain unresolved.

Artist. Arulraj Ulaganathan. Landscapes. (2019,2020)

Sandev Handy, one of two curators of this exhibition says this project is a way to "bring people to learn and understand there is alternative ways to solve disputes” and to this end, they hope to involve community leaders, religious figures, teachers and activists in workshops and community conversations.

Jacques Carstens. Representative of the British Council 

During the talk, it was revealed that over 3,000 disputes arise daily, many of which do not enter the formal justice system. The MMCA and SEDR aim to encourage community participation in resolving land and other local conflicts, thereby avoiding the need for mediation or court proceedings.

Jacques Carstens, Team leader and supporter of SEDR and representative of the British Council in Colombo expressed optimism with the project. There are ways to use artistic expression to stop conflict, he said, adding that he was “encouraged by the contribution that the fellows have made.”

In November 2024, the exhibition will go to different districts, further expanding its reach and impact. 

People who organised and participated in the talk