Immortalising an architectural legacy

`Time stands still', an exhibition of photographs on Lunuganga:

by Indeewara THILAKARATHNE and Ranga CHANDRARATHNE

"Time stands still", an exhibition of photographs by Photographic Society of Sri Lanka held during Jeffrey Bawa's anniversary celebration, perhaps, for the first time captured the sublime nature of the property Lunuganga. Bawa's signature is pervasive in each and every part of the property and the artifacts in it.

Bandu Gunaratne has captured a canopy of a tree. Over the years, tree has grown up spreading its shade. Such huge trees have become prominent features of the property and contributed to its intrinsic sublime nature. It is not an exaggeration that a visitor to the property would be enveloped in the tranquillity and awe-inspiring artifacts which were once part of Jeffry Bawa's life. In a subtle manner the huge tree is a potent symbol associated with Lunuganga which Bandu has captured from a fresh perspective.

One of the fascinating facets of the property is the numerous artifacts subscribed to Bawa's vision and the celebrated life he led in Lunuganga.

Now these artifacts are restored and serve as part of the rich legacy. Bryan Smith has skilfully captured interior of one of the buildings in the property. The bright sunlight makes silhouettes in spacious interior.

Spacious nature is a prominent characteristic of Bawa's architecture. In fact, it is the celebration of space which gives the occupants a sense of relief. Here, the spacious interior is occupied by a lonely chair against the backdrop of a wall. Sunlight pours in from the right of the frame. Bryan has captured the characteristic sublime nature pervading the air. It is the spectacular furniture; the lonely wood pillar and an iron which constitute the quietude. The much thought out frame definitely falls into the theme.

Bryan is prominent for his keen eye for details and subtle effect of the light and shade on the frame has been exploited to the maximum. Among other things Bryan's picture of the interior strongly evokes not only the unique architectural legacy of Jeffry Bawa but also an era gone by.

Chandra Piyadasa has photographed the Wind Mill by the Lunuganga. The photographer has captured the old Wind Mill, a section of the Lunuganga (river) and environs of the Wind Mill. The special effect has given the picture an appropriate antique shade.

It is as if taken out of the past. The sunlight pours into the frame from the left so that the facet exposed to the sun has brightly lit up while silhouettes of the trees partially cover the face directly exposed to the camera.

Chinthaka Tenuwara has captured in a back and white picture some of the artifacts. Here light comes in through a panel of window and by the sides of the window are the sculptured woman's bust and other articles.

White washed walls in a queer way contrasts with shadowy details. The photographer has made use of the light and shade, once again, driving home the idea of celebrating tranquillity.

Mithra Weerakoon has taken a snap on the characteristic steps in a utopian garden.

On the far, is the statute in the background and rest of the frame is the green. Pradeepika Mathew has snapped the lake, a symbol of tranquillity. Lake is situated in the garden below the bungalow. It has been shaded by trees and the light trickles down to the lake from the right. The photographer has used maiden sun rays. Shadows of the trees reflect on the surface of the lake partially covered by weeds.In essence, the photographers have captured diverse facets of Bawa's celebrated property Lunuganga from equally diverse perspectives. They all represent the idea of tranquillity and sublime nature of Lunuganga and the theme `Time stands still'.