Celestial Fervour: “Not forgetting the suffering of the other”
by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Violence begins at home. If we are talking about peace, reconciliation and understanding the other culture –these need to begin at home” says Jagath Weerasinghe.
Celestial Fervour Art of Jagath Weerasighe is currently being held at the Theertha Red Dot Gallery in Pitakotte. The exhibition began on September 8th 2009, and will end on October 5th 2009. Red Dot Gallery is contemporary-artist- run gallery, and first of its kind in Sri Lanka.
Perfect colours are used to depict different situations. Various knives used at households are used in his art work to explain how these same knives can be dangerous and destructive.
Jagath Weerasighe’s life and art are intertwined.
“I am born to a dominant Marxist and a home-making mother. I grew up in a middle class urban family environment.
My sister’s name is Gowry, and my cousin’s name in Durga.
My father always felt the need to know and understand the other culture. His strong thoughts got fixed in my mind as a child. And, ever since I began to see things differently like my father.
The 30 units of Aluminum knives take a left turn and keep travelling on that direction, because they reflect my left wing thinking” says Jagath Weerasinghe.
Jagath Weerasinghe is a contemporary artist and archaeologist and a Professor at the Post-Graduate Institute of Archeology of the University of Kelaniya.
Celestial Fervour:Soldiers in Cloud.2009.Acrylic on paper, each 31*28cm
Celestial Fervour:Soldiers in Cloud. Triptych.2009.Light Box, plastic sheet, wax, glass, plastic toy soldiers, light bulbs, 85*65*10cm
Celestial Fervour:Soldiers in Cloud. Triptych.2009.Light Box, plastic sheet, wax, glass, plastic toy soldiers, light bulbs, 85*65*10cm
Celestial Fervour”Weapons of Mass Destruction.2009.Aluminum, iron rods, and enamel paint. Varying Dimensions.30 Units.Each 41*129*13cm
Celestial Fervour”Weapons of Mass Destruction.2009.Aluminum, iron rods, and enamel paint. Varying Dimensions.30 Units.Each 41*129*13cm
Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe
Celestial Fervour: Big Kitchen Knife.2009.Metal and wax.132cm
Celestial Fervour: Kitchen Knives. 2009. Acrylic on paper. 18 units Each unit 32*51cm.
Jagath Weerasinghe likes to experiment his work on different media
Celestial Fervour: Soaring Balustrade.2009. Clear resin, LED bulbs and plastic sheet.158*99*33cm
Celestial Fervour: Knives and Ligers. 2009. Plastic, corrugated boards, light box, tissue mat and LED lights. 133*123*10cm
Celestial Fervour: Man with Kitchen Knife. 2009. Light box, corrugated plastic boards and LED bulbs. 133*123*10cm
Celestial Fervour: Soaring Barrel.2009. Clear resin, LED bulbs and plastic sheet.75*61*35cm.
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