- Prasadani Kumari on her latest exhibition and the art scene in Sri Lanka
Every day we are bombarded with images that expose the harsh realities and verisimilitudes of the world and global societies. We see it on TV, in the paper, and on our everyday social media feeds. We are constantly inundated with overwhelming emotion and despondency. But while we feel noble compassion and empathy, more than anything, we feel powerless. We assume that our place in the world and society hasn’t afforded us the luxury to go beyond our limitations.
Artist Prasadani Kumari’s solo exhibition “Spandana” (Pulse), highlights these feelings and one’s way of life. The exhibition features about 30 canvas paintings done using acrylic and oil paints and was held from last Friday (3) to yesterday (5) at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7.
Kumari is an artist by profession as well as a visiting lecturer at the University of Vocational Technology and shared with Brunch views about her solo art exhibition and experiences.
What helped you to become an artist?
I studied art as an additional subject until the Ordinary Level (O/L) Examinations. In addition, I studied art as a major in the Advanced Level (A/L) Examinations. I also studied art for my undergraduate degree at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Visual and Performing Arts, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After that I obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kelaniya. In addition to all this, I personally carried out research on art in a variety of ways. For example, this art exhibition is an extension of such research that I started when I was in university.
What do you hope to embody with your latest artwork?
As time passes, a person’s notions of self and the way he/she views themselves are transformed. The process is informed by the biological and thought worlds one inhabits. Even as our DNA remains intact, the world we build upon it is continuously subjected to this movement on account of our thoughts, concepts, aspirations, and behaviour. This is why it is not possible for us to evade the primordial question, “Who am I?” In the face of these inequities what does “I” as a distinct entity mean?
Therefore, subsequent to all failed and oppressive identities, armed with a pain-free and sufferance-free understanding, I am compelled to return to things specific to me and specific to my other that can be offered to the world. Finally, it is my enlarged thumbprint and makes a pattern for the background, offered to the world outside me as a biological and visual witness that seeks to speak of myself. That is what my art represents.
What are the challenges you face in working as an artist?
There are a number of challenges that are unique to artists in the present situation. Among them are the acute shortage of raw materials and the unaffordable rise in raw material prices. As a result, many have already given up arts and moved on to other careers. It is also a challenge to engage in this without a permanent income. At the same time, we as artists face challenges that Sri Lankans as a whole face today. Just as one is particularly embarrassed by these economic challenges, such as rising commodity prices, we are similarly embarrassed by such.
What are the opportunities in our country to study art and work as a professional artist?
I would be correct to say that Sri Lankan artists have more challenges than opportunities. There is not enough space for artists in our country to pursue their education and improve professional qualifications. This is the case not only with art, but with all other arts, including acting, dancing, and singing.They engage in arts in the midst of many difficulties.
What is the need for an art exhibition at a critical time like this?
As we all see now, the current crisis is getting worse day by day. In such a situation, there is no doubt that the recognition of art, which has always been at somewhat a low level, will be further diminished in the future. The demise of art and the artist will be marked, especially as the economic crisis intensifies. So we need to launch programmes right now to keep the audience with the art. That is why I decided to hold this art exhibition. There is also a positive aspect that art faces in a crisis situation. Art, which itself is a struggle, heals the people. Even in the people’s struggles these days, the arts such as art, singing, and playing have gained prominence. Therefore, I hope that through this exhibition I will be able to take the flavour of art to more people.
Finally, what is your opinion about this moment and the market for your paintings?
Art has been of great value in many parts of the world since ancient times. That is why some works of art are sold at unbelievable prices. However, art in Sri Lanka has no proper patronage or professional value. So day by day this is declining and artists are turning to other professions. Therefore, it is sad to say that not only at this moment, but also in the past, art has never been given a proper place in our country.
