What was definitely missing were the start-ups, the young (or old) not so known names and talents and the individuals which have not been associating with the three main collectives: Theertha, VAFA and Colombo Artists. kOOii considers this a missed opportunity.
So, working with the good old crowd, the theme these artist had to follow - Imagining Peace- proved a label that was easily slapped on work that was already in existence. I think that -with the exception of Druvinka and the Kumari's (short for : Sanjeewa Kumara and Sujeewa Kumari) - the state of turmoil in this country has been the theme of any self respected artist for so many years. Case in point is Vafa's front man Chandragupta Thenuwara: his work has always been on the edge of controversial in the way it has addressed the state of conflict in Sri Lanka.
Vafa Pavillion: you are either for, or against us!
The VAFA pavillion was again the most impressive. A huge wall divided the space in two telling the audience that You are either for us or against us. There is no way you can be one! A not so hidden criticism of the policies regarding minorities in the country now the war has been declared WON. The wall was constructed by individual artists; each explaining in their own way how this wall was being kept erect. kOOii's favorite wall part was by Anusha Gajaweera, who's flock of crows dressed up like doves, came flying out of newspapers, wearing neckties to symbolize the hypocrisie of male political power (words not by artist).
Anusha's wall at the Vafa Pavillion
You can call me a simpleton, but I really, really liked it. It has humor and provided a good balance for the bleak wall of cruelty put up by Thenuwara which was as timely as it was daring.
Channel 4 look alike on Thenuwara's wall
Sanjeewani in front of her lace wall
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