Aragala Exhibition - Harrow Art Centre

Aragala Exhibition - Harrow Art Centre

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There was an exhibition at Harrow Arts Center organized by the University of Essex, the University of Newcastle Fund, and some local organizations, including "Agora." The exhibition aimed to showcase paintings created during the "Aragalaya" or "Uprising" that occurred in Sri Lanka in July 2022.

The exhibition served as a commemoration of the event and also provided a platform for discussing what truly transpired during those times. There were allegations of mishandling funds and receiving kickbacks from Western countries, but one thing everyone agrees on is that it occurred out of dire necessity. People have been struggling due to the impact of COVID-19, and the ill-advised decisions made by the Rajapaksa government pushed the Sri Lankan economy to the brink of collapse. While the situation was temporarily averted, the danger still looms due to ongoing wars and other uncertainties on the global stage.

However, the exhibition serves as a reference point and a testament to the freedom of expression earned through the courageous acts of the masses during those tumultuous 'aragalaya' days, depicted through various art forms. It serves as a powerful reminder to the establishment that the true power lies in the hands of the people. No matter how hard they try, the ruling class cannot take that power away from them. In any country, there will always be a time and a space for an anarchic situation like that if the ruling class continues to ignore the issues faced by the masses. They do so at their own peril. This message is conveyed loud and clear.

Here are some of the pieces on display.

1. This "ink on paper" painting is by Professor Chandragupth Thenuwara. Upon close observation, one can discern the presence of chains or barbed wire intertwined with large lotus flower petals. Underneath, as you may have guessed, there is a depiction of suffocating masses. Additionally, there appear to be several "pagodas" on top of the drawing, although I'm uncertain about their significance. It seems that Thenuwara is moving away from his renowned "barrelism" style and delving into the themes of chains or "barbed wirism."

2. "Do Not Burn Art" is a collaborative piece by Eshadi Yaddehiarachchi and Sujith Rathnayake. This artwork carries a strong emotional impact, depicting crows pecking at a living human being. The act of burning art is considered a crime typically associated with fascist ideologies. Similarly, one could argue that burning books or any other objects would have a similar effect. However, art serves as a form of expression and a celebration of human creativity and imagination. We appreciate artworks for their beauty and emotional value, making the act of burning art even more profoundly affecting to our social consciousness.

3. "Do not burn art" theme continues here.  Artist's painting set on fire by the artist. - Sujith Rathnayake

4. "Aragalaya and the Rusted Act No. 2" is a piece by Sujith Rathnayake. It portrays a protester lying on the road, seemingly amidst a crowd of fellow protesters. The protester holds a placard with the words "People's Sovereignty," which encapsulates the essence of the struggle. The artwork raises a thought-provoking question: Do we truly have a choice? It speaks to the yearning for individuals to have the freedom to make their own decisions and exercise their agency within society.

5."Barrier Makers - Victims of the Barriers Themselves" by Sujith Rathnayake is an intriguing and thought-provoking artwork. The artist portrays security forces or law enforcement authorities positioned behind barriers. This single art piece evokes a range of emotions. It becomes apparent that the security personnel behind the barriers are exhausted, possibly hungry, and facing the same difficulties as the masses. The economic downturn affects them as well, with dwindling wages and the responsibility of supporting their families. They, too, experience the scarcity of resources such as fuel and the skyrocketing prices of essential goods. The only difference is that they find themselves on the inside of the barrier. This artwork prompts reflection on the shared human experiences and challenges faced by different individuals within society.

6. "The Tragedy of the Terrorist Mentality" by Sujith Rathnayake sheds light on the lasting impact of the Prevention of Terrorism Act enacted in 1979. Despite the passage of many decades, the act still remains in effect. This legislation has opened the door to arbitrary detention and state-sanctioned torture inflicted upon civilians. The artwork serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences resulting from the mindset associated with terrorism, including the erosion of civil liberties and the violation of human rights by the state.

7. "Human in Oppressive Space" by Sujith Rathnayake conveys a powerful expression regarding the human mind. The artwork highlights the detrimental effect of oppressive spaces on the functioning of the human mind. When individuals are subjected to oppressive environments, their ability to think, create, and thrive is severely hindered. The underlying issue arises when an entire society is subjected to such oppressive conditions. In such circumstances, the fabric of law and order within that society becomes increasingly fragile and vulnerable. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder that the existence of oppressive spaces within society ultimately leads to the erosion of social stability and harmony.

8. "Oppression in Isolation" by Sujith Rathnayake presents a unique concept of art within art, or paintings within a painting, illustrating the inner and outer turmoil experienced by the masses. The artwork depicts individuals who are barricaded within the confines of oppressive laws, symbolizing their isolation and the restrictions placed upon them. Simultaneously, the painting also portrays those outside the barricades, who are in a state of even greater turmoil. This juxtaposition emphasizes the pervasive nature of oppression and its impact on both the individuals directly affected and the broader society. The artwork prompts contemplation about the interconnectedness of oppression and its far-reaching consequences.

9. Death of a regime - Muvindu Binoy 

Two issues have come to my mind that I would like to ask the organizers. Firstly, why are the above-mentioned universities conducting research on "Aragalaya"? This may reinforce allegations that Western powers are imposing Aragalaya on the Sri Lankan masses, which I personally do not believe to be true.

Secondly, I have heard that the American embassy in Sri Lanka is purchasing all these artworks. This could also raise suspicions among the public, considering the aforementioned allegation.

- Ajith Dharmakeerthi - 16/07/2023

Chandraguptha Theunwara's Exhibition: delusion

https://www.saskiafernandogallery.com/exhibitions/122-delusion/

DELUSION

23 JULY - 23 AUGUST 2023

Chandraguptha Thenuwara’s memorial exhibition in July, will take place at three locations, marking  40 years since the events of 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom.

Delusion which will open at Saskia Fernando Gallery will present Thenuwara’s annual exhibition of new works in response to the sociopolitical climate in Sri Lanka. The exhibition will continue his inquiry into issues of militarism, religious extremism, conspiracy theories, Sinhala chauvinism, narrow-minded nationalism, anti-western agitation, socialism etc. 

As an extension of this exhibition, the complete sculptural installation Covert will be presented to the public, a part of which was exhibited at the 2022 Venice Biennale, at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. Through an infinite vortex of interlocking motifs - lotuses, soldiers, stupas and barrels - constructed out of wire which link and fuse, layer upon layer, like the meanings of the motifs themselves - the artist invites the viewer to reflect on the social and political history of the island.