• A compelling look at the complex man-nature relationship

The first major arts event in Sri Lanka for 2024, ‘Colomboscope’ closes today (28), and so, The Sunday Morning Brunch decided to take a look around the festival and put together some of our highlights.

‘Colomboscope 2024,’ in its 10th year and eighth edition, has successfully brought together a diverse array of artists from Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Mexico, and beyond. The overarching theme, ‘Way of the Forest,’ explores the intricate connections between humanity and nature, focusing on interdependence, custodianship, and restorative practices across various landscapes.

One striking aspect of the festival is its commitment to featuring multidisciplinary works that transcend traditional boundaries. The first floor of its flagship venue for this year, the J.D.A. Perera Gallery serves as the festival’s entrance, hosting a compelling collection of pieces that delve into the theme of invisible bonds connecting communities to the forest. The ongoing discourse about the spiritual essence of the forest and its ecological history creates a thought-provoking atmosphere, skillfully blending elements of hallucination and memory.

The festival showcased a rich tapestry of narratives and perspectives. One art piece that spoke to us was an installation of wall panels by a Dhaka-based artist who drew visual metaphors from the transformation of once-lush areas into bustling cities. His juxtaposition of materials and elements reflects on the delicate balance between spirituality and melancholy, evoking a sense of reflection on the consequences of extraction and ecological imbalance.

Another artist, Sarmila Sooriyakumar from Jaffna, documented the heritage of her village which focuses on traditional wood carving, and added depth to the exploration by incorporating Hindu beliefs in her work. Her contemplation on the connection between trees and beliefs, demonstrated through coins and cloth practices, reflects a deep reverence for traditions and the environment.

The inclusion of artists like Pushpakanthan Pakkiyarajah, whose sculptures and organic time spaces immerse viewers in landscapes reflecting war trauma, added a poignant layer to the exhibition. The exploration of longer timelines and generational connections through art and sound created a profound experience, capturing the essence of the artist’s perspective.

The third floor, examining colonial archives, botanical histories, and the dynamics of forestry, engaged visitors with a thought-provoking journey. The inclusion of works by Barbara Sansoni and the exploration of colonial history’s impact on contemporary movements provide a nuanced understanding of how past narratives shape the present. 

The festival also acknowledged its roots with a nod to Barefoot Gallery, a longstanding partner, as well as with an outdoor installation at the Colombo Public Library that focuses largely on the memories of displacement from Nepal’s indigenous communities who have been affected by armed conflict.

A new venue, SNAFU Kitchen, also made its debut as a port for the ‘Colomboscope’ fraternity. Despite being one of the smallest venues of this year’s festival, the art on display is vibrant and compelling and gives viewers a lot to look at and read through while enjoying the vibe of the cafe.  

While it was challenging to cover all the artists and their contributions comprehensively, the festival’s breadth of topics, from displacement and resistance to ecological landscapes and colonial histories, created a rich and engaging tapestry. The outdoor spaces at Barefoot Gallery and the inclusion of various mediums, including video installations, sculptures, and textiles, contributed to a holistic and immersive experience.

‘Colomboscope 2024’ successfully managed to balance a diverse range of perspectives and themes, making it a commendable exploration of the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. The inclusion of various artistic forms, thoughtful curation, and the exploration of pressing issues made it a noteworthy cultural event that invited reflection on our past, present, and future interactions with the environment.