Ingenious Space

A uniquely different exhibition that celebrates creativity in women:

A collective of female graduates of the University of Visual and Performing Arts celebrated International Women's Day with a unique and visually captivating exhibition titled 'Space 2016', at the J.D.A Perera Gallery from March 8 to 10. This is the third 'Space' exhibition held by the collective.

Featuring an amalgam of artwork ranging from paintings to installations, sculptures and ephemeral performances of 13 female artists, the annual event has given a voice to female artists who have been unable to showcase their talents or pursue art as a vocation post graduation, due to various cultural, societal as well as self imposed constraints.

Interestingly the participating artists represented a period of almost four decades of study at the University of Visual and Performing Arts between the years of 1981 - 2015.

Speaking of her ephemeral performance The Golden Boundary, artist Janani Cooray said the golden net of safety pins she used in her performance signifies the boundaries she has set for herself. "Even if I am in Sri Lanka or abroad, I have set somewhat traditional limits for myself for my protection," she said, adding those limits have drawn her much criticism from the Sri Lankan art world.

Artist Ishani Ranaweera's mix media artwork is pretty to look at. Using materials generally used for the application of make-up she had created a dining table of goodies. According to her, this is her way of taking a dig at what society, media in particular gifts women on Women's Day. "Television and other forms of media always show us special programs only for either cooking or make-up and similar things," said Janani explaining that this is Ishani's way of criticising the trend.

Lasanthi Kaluthanthrie's work featuring various types of spoons is a literal take on the sexist axiom Gahanun ge nuwana handi mite gaanata (A woman's intelligence is as the length of a handle of a ladle). She says one of the spoons in the collection represents her as well.

Many of the artwork featured the struggles; responsibilities and problems women have had to face in continuing their passion for art. "Only the landscape art works of Achala Gunawardana shows a sense of freedom," says Janani, explaining, "This is because she enjoys a freedom that many of the other artists featured here do not have." According to Janani, all artists have had to make great sacrifices for family as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers. "We do not have the freedom that male artists do to continue with our careers as we are trapped by responsibilities and what Sri Lankan society expects from women" she points out.

According to Janani the main aim of the exhibition is to give an opportunity to female artists who do not have an opportunity, time or financial capability, to showcase their talents as well as give society a message that women have talents, ideas, and capabilities beyond what is traditionally expected of them.

- MB