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| Sunday, 8 February 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Journey into the unknown : Looking within oneself by Vimukthi Fernando
Therefore, the works I've completed during my visit depict this brightness and light" says Praakash Chandwadkar. An artist of a different calibre, if I may say so, he is one who never signs on his works. "What is that for?" he questions. "I have no politics. Painting is just a medium of expression. It is just a way to plant feelings in space, the use of colour. What's important is not the way it is expressed, but what is expressed", he adds. His effort is to contribute something from self, to the outer world, says this artist. "Life in the fast lane destroys nature and brings a negativity to self. It never gives time to really look at yourself. If you can stop a moment and look at yourself, you understand the positive forces within. You need to look deep inside and talk to self to find oneself, and to find what he or she has to offer to this world."
But, his works are far from 'happenings'. They are the result of years of research and have become mirrors that reflect a gamut of feelings. The reality of life. And this time, it is the realities of religion. The gnosis of Buddhism - its positive forces, simplicity as well as grandeur, serenity and the discipline. "What is religion?" questions Prakaash, and answers the question himself - saying that it is living your life in harmony with man and nature. Neither harming others nor yourself. All religions lead to the same end result, he says. "God is abstract. We have not seen him. We pray to God without seeing. Some will say it is all imagination. Though God is not seen, we feel him," says the artist. And that's the reason for Prakaash to use abstract art, in mixed media to bring out his religious themes. "Texture is also used to bring out ideas," says the artist. He studies the materials he use before using it for his paintings, "to get the maximum benefit out of its texture," says Prakaash. His works are the mix of photography, printing, painting and other related material such as 'bo' leaves when it comes to his current theme. A special kind of rice paper from Nepal, is his favourite canvas. "Specially selected for its versatility," says the artist. He uses pigments and other dyes besides acrylic on his paintings. Though Prakaash has been particularly focusing on the spiritual aspects of art during the past five years or so, the interest had been there from the time he visited the Ajantha caves as a little boy, he says. The Buddha figures, paintings of Ganesha brought in harmonious feeling, says the artist. The similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism, and buddhism's harmony with nature influenced him further. His seven years stay in Nepal living the serene, relaxed and joyous life of the Nepalese based on the principles of Buddhism sealed his attraction to Buddhism. "I am fascinated with its qualities - the happiness, relaxation, peace of mind, silence and enlightenment, the middle path. The positive factor about Buddhism is that Buddha only showed the way.
And all this is depicted through his art. Puncha Buddha of Nepal, depicted through 'bo' leaves of various hues. Tibetian and Nepalese Buddha statues bathed in shafts of light, depicting thanthra meditation and their forms of light, as if through prisms. The eternal Buddha - one who wins time. Young Siddhartha at 35 - the carnal quality of his life which took a right about turn. The elephantine qualities of man whose mind is enlightened. The first five disciples of Buddha and the five elements that brings life to the world. The 'parinirvana' of Buddha - its emptiness and fulfilment, the celebration of death. These are some of the paintings that Prakaash would exhibit at his first solo exhibition in Sri Lanka at the Finomenal Space art gallery. ############ The 'new' Hunuwataye Kathawa
Softspoken, sincere, human and humane - his production 37 years ago, created a buzz which still stirs the hearts of its fans. Simple and practical, immersed with deep concentration commitment, they imbibed character into the roles they portrayed. The beautiful Grushe and the charming Azdak of 1967 may not be in the cast any more, but Hunu Wataye Kathawa Henry Jayasena's adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's The Caucasian Chalk Circle will be, when it comes on stage again, tomorrow, February 9, at the Wendt. It was a landmark in Sinhala theatre, winning many a plaudit. But, Hunu Wataye Kathawa was never presented for any competition whatsoever, says its director Henry Jayasena. Perhaps, the longest running drama in Sri Lankan theatre past the 32nd milepost when it stopped in 1999 Hunuwataye Kathawa is revived with a new cast and new music director. The revival and production of Hunu Wataye Kathawa is sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) this time. It has not been an easy task, with the new actors and actresses having many other engagements, in addition to theatre. It is almost impossible for them to meet the commitment necessary for theatre, said veteran actor and producer Henry Jayasena. Hunu Wataye Kathawa will be produced this time as a long overdue tribute to his beautiful Grushe, Manel Jayasena said Henry Jayasena. Manel, braved the hard realities and contributed much to the Sinhala theatre, he pointed out. The new production will feature Ruwini Manamperi, and Nalin Pradeep Uduwela two award winners of the Sinhala theatre, as Grushe and Azdak. Sanath Wimalasiri and Chamika Hatlahawatte will share the role of Simon Sashawa while Nimal Jayasinghe, will play the role of the Narrator. Nalin Alwis, a young music director will be in charge of the music. Hunu Wataye Kathawa will be staged on February 9 and 10 at the Lionel Wendt, followed by three more performances at the John de Silva Memorial Theatre, on the 13, 14 and 15, February. (VF) |
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"The Buddha statues and paintings in Sri Lanka are more beautiful
than any others in the region. They are bright and light as the country
itself. Just like a shaft of sunlight.
Born and bred in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India and growing up and
playing near the cradle of painting, the world famous Ajantha caves, art
came to him naturally, says this artist. "I live for art. For me,
painting is a way of life", he explains. And that's why he likes to
work on big screens. "Then it feels like playing. Painting comes like
breathing, more of a happening than a creation" says Prakaash.
He is also human, and showed how one could heal his or her suffering
with his or her own hands", says the artist. Visiting different Asian
countries, where Buddhism is revered he earned first hand experience of
the different forms of art and sculpture and gained an understanding of
the qualities that vary from country to country.
