Maha Valli depicts artist's creative maturity
Reviewed by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa
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S.H. Sarath
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The central theme of S.H. Sarath's latest exhibition is 'Maha Valli'.
For those who may wonder who this is the explanation is simple.
According to entrenched legend, Maha Valli is the spouse of God
Kataragama.
Around this mythical figure, Sella Hannadige Sarath (S.H. Sarath that
is) has arrayed series of paintings, that dramatically conveys his
whimsical way of looking at the world. As a rule, the folk-element is a
dominant motif, in Sarath's work.
The technique itself, is derived, to a great extent, from the temple
mural paintings. That nourished his incipient sense of art, during his
rural childhood.
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One of the exhibits |
He has evolved into an elevated level of creative maturity, in his
dexterous utilisation of the medium of painting. The uniqueness of his
creative eccentricity, stems from his capacity to surprise, shock and
amuse his viewers. This built-in flair is very much evident in his
latest display.
Lady Maha Valli, is depicted with a tiger and a lion, held
affectionately close to her bosom.
S.H. Sarath may not be preoccupied. That much, with winning
admiration. At times his works assault the psyche of his viewers,
eliciting outrage.
His soul is bubbling, seething and simmering repository of mischief -
ever ready to burst out, given the least chance.
Female forms
His current paintings, erupt with detailed arabesques and flourishes,
contributing to an end-product of astonishing whimsicality. His female
forms in the present array of paintings, seem variations of the central
figure Maha Valli.
S.H. Sarath's incipient art, may have derived substantial
inspiration, influence and nourishment from an extensive variety of
resources. But, today his body of works unerringly proclaims an
aesthetic of its own. His art is noteworthy, for its inclination to
reflect the events, urges and turmoils of the contemporary society.
He aims at satirical barbs, through his art, at what he considers the
follies and foibles of men and women, who go through various mudras of
living. |
