Art for fast-paced times

By Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

"There is a certain characteristic, common to all those whom we call geniuses. Each of them has a consciousness of being a man apart."

Miguel de Unamuno

S.H. Sarath

Artist S.H. Sarath's exhibitions recur with the inevitable regularity of cycles of nature. Come what may, one can be certain that S.H. Sarath will present an exhibition each year. Freak weather is quite likely to alter its expected pattern at times. But as for S.H. Sarath's art displays, they cleave to their time - rhythm, unfailingly. As artist sui generis, S.H. Sarath has an impressive way of shocking the spectator with painted comments on topics of the moment, that occupy and agitate the minds of the masses. His creative preoccupation with the passing pageant of life, endows vividly on his art, the palpable "feel" of 'unceasing motion'.

Reactions

In most of his past artistic forays into the errors, faults and breakdowns of ordinary earthlings, S.H. Sarath, would - as a matter of course - record his reactions in a series of quaint, queer and droll drawings. His convoluted and tortured lines, have a way of accentuating the wit and humour of these paintings.

But, in his latest display, there is a perceptible departure from that familiar norm. A starkly evident therapeutical intent can be discerned in his present portfolio of artistic creations. True to his characteristic inclination, he has given an intriguing title to his latest array of works. And, that surprise-packed title reads this way in Sinhala: "S.H. Sarathge, maha adhi vegee situvam dekma." This could be rendered into English as "S.H. Sarath's mega fast-paced exhibition of art".

The operative usage in this title is "mega fast-paced." This sums up his 'diagnosis,' of the inner-soul of the modern man. According to him, homosapiens have now evolved into a speed-fiend. Men and women of our day rush around as if they are being hotly pursued. They are caught up in an inexorable race, the significance of which, they themselves cannot fathom.

Tension

The inevitable outcome of this mega-speed is tension and angst. They sorely and pathetically lack 'quality' leisure.

In short, this helplessly driven generation of fast-paced automata of our day is, stranger to the joys of art, poetry and literature. S.H. Sarath laments their two-fold tragedy: On the one hand their deadened souls are so dense that they cannot resonate to beauty and aesthetic joy. On the other hand, they cannot create works of timeless grandeur like our classical literature and Sigiriya Apsaras.

One of his paintings

How does artist - therapist S.H. Sarath respond to this fast-paced modern life?

His shocking, surprising and eminently entertaining answer is the current array of art-works he displays.

In the first instance the palette he deploys in this series, has been selected with a keen eye to entertain the viewer. The motley of colours, evokes the impression of the costume of circus clowns. The conventional jester of the early days, was dressed in multi-coloured attire, to attract attention to his fun-filled turns.

Therapist

Artist Sarath's intention in his role of therapist, is to dispel the gloom and anxiety that cloud the psyche of most men and women who dash around in a mighty hurry. When such 'driven' moderns spend a few moments gazing at this world of compelling hues, they will perhaps experience a temporary trance of inner quietness.

If you observe the creator of these healing works of art, you cannot help but wonder, if he himself has not been a victim of the mega-paced speed of modern living. The on-rush of the fast waves of life has reduced the artist to a frail-looking physical frame. The mane of totally white hair, that thatches his pate is the residue of life's speed. His starkly white and perfect teeth, which he always bares in a perpetual grin, offsets the darkish mien of his face.

When everything is said and done, S.H. is the 'complete artist.' His soul unceasingly resounds to the rhythms of life. His sunny vision, intermingled with a sarcasm-tinged humour, has endowded upon him a philosophy of satirical optimism, which is his unique brand of artistic perception. His recurring cycle of creations is a cultural enrichment to discerning persons with each new display of his works. Artist S.H. Sarath communicates an enlivening message to lovers of art. He says in each new display, that he has the creative power of soul, to achieve repetitive incarnation.

He derives this inner strength, from a series of geniuses who inspired him both formally and informally.

This venerable galaxy includes among others Mudlier - A.C.G.S. Amarasekera, Stanley Abeysinghe, Tilake Abeysinghe, Albert Dharmasiri and H.A. Karunaratne.

The really good news, that comes through loud and clear from the latest display, is that in the years to come S.H. Sarath will inspire generations of artists, to be bold, imaginative and to seek a rivetingly unique personality.