Review
Goodwill Hardware:
A new dimension to installation art
by Ranga CHANDRARATHNE
 Goodwill Hardware, an exhibition of installation by Koralegedara
Pushpakumara which was recently held at Theertha Red Dot Gallery, adds
new dimension to installation art in Sri Lanka.
The artist has used hardware material as an effective medium of
expression. The material is made up of barbed wire inside transparent
tubes, barrier tape, tent material, metal chains and nails. The artist's
intention was to portray the atrocities and calamities in terms of craft
arrays of material at his disposal. His grammar of presentation is as
subtle as his meticulous use of space.
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In a way, Pushpakumara has redefined the space rendering specific
meanings to it. For instance, white structure in a spacious room is a
classic example where the artist has manipulated the space. It is the
structure which defines the space. Another interesting creation is the
creation where the artist uses match sticks in plastic tubes which are
fixed on to a yellow carpet-like structure. Although the meaning of the
creation is hard to decipher, it is obvious that the artist has intended
to recreate calamities, for chaos and calamities have no static form.
Calamities and atrocities is a theme which can be expressed in
diverse ways. Chaotic arrangement of materials in Pushpakumara's way is,
perhaps, appropriate to represent the theme graphically. The exhibition
is marked for its sheer use of discarded hardware materials in
installation art. However, a significant aspect of his use of material
is the management of space and redefining.
Pushpakumara has participated in exhibitions, workshops and
residencies internationally as well as locally since 1997. Being a
member of the Theertha International Artists' Collective, currently he
is involved in several community art projects in rural areas of Sri
Lanka.
The exhibition is the second of the third Theertha Exhibition Season
(Aka Theertha Pradarshana Wasanthaya) curated by Pradeep Chandrasiri and
Prasanana Ranabahu. The exhibition started on 14 November, will remain
open until 7 December at the Theertha Red Dot Galley.
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