“Many Roads Through Paradise,” a group exhibition recently unveiled at Barefoot, features the works of eleven artists from various corners of Sri Lanka. Each artist expresses his/her unique artistic journey, drawing inspiration from their surroundings, backgrounds, and personal stories that showcase the rich diversity of landscapes, biodiversity, cultures, and the experiences of people. Curated by Vidhi Todi.
This week’s Youth Observer features a cover by Ariyamalar Sasireka, whose beautiful collage reflects the paddy fields located just a few kilometers from her village, where local communities cultivate the land for survival.
Here’s what we discovered about the missions behind the amazing artworks of the eleven artists. The exhibition will go until 2nd November.
Deeply rooted to her homeland
Malki Jayakody’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in her profound connection to her homeland, specifically the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka. With a BA in Visual Arts and Design and experience as an Assistant Lecturer, Malki utilizes her education to explore the “soul bond” between herself and her land. An ardent nature lover, she aims to capture the “diversity, vividness, and inspiration of Mother Nature” in her works. Through her collection, she focuses on the scenic beauty of her surroundings, depicting “the aesthetic beauty of both visible and inviable environment” while melding her creativity with the unique climatic patterns and ecological features of Sri Lanka. Malki employs symbolic images, line patterns, and textures reminiscent of maps to highlight the rich ecological diversity and convey the interrelationships between humanity and nature. By doing so, she aspires to raise awareness of the complexities of this relationship, stating that her primary objective is to “disseminate awareness among the audience” on how to appreciate the multifaceted yet admirable bond between humans and the natural world, illuminating the contrasts between beauty and aridity in the environment.
