Sep 20 2023.
views 232They say a picture can speak a thousand words, and perhaps the same can be said of art, especially the kind that says plenty without having to say anything at all. Art has always had a unique way of conveying emotions and confronting hard truths, and this edition of ARTRA Magazine explores the significance of the works of Sri Lankan artists, caricaturists, and cartoonists Aubrey Collette, Bevis Bawa and Gihan de Chickera with the launch of the Comics & Caricatures Edition on October 14.
The launch coincides with the curated Art Experiential Festival on the Bawa Brothers and their works taking place from 13-15 October at Brief Gardens and Cinnamon Bentota Beach. The new issue of ARTRA Magazine delves into the power of visual storytelling and how artists use their work to shed light on social and political issues in Sri Lanka. Significantly, exploring the most famed '43 Group political caricaturist and artist Aubrey Collette's works of prominent political and social figures of the early to mid-1900's and his popular 'Seven Prime Ministers Series' merged with those of Bevis Bawa's rendition of Yvonne Gulamhusein, the glamorous socialite of the times, and Bevis' critically observant depiction of his friends.
In the present, Gihan de Chickera's works follow in a similar vein, drawing parallels between the cartoonist's artistic style capturing the essence of contemporary Sri Lankan politics and society, his satirical illustrations and clever use of animals representing human traits to continue the tradition of using caricature and art to critique and highlight the nuances and contradictions within the country's political and social landscape. Through their unique perspectives and artistic styles, Collette, Bawa, and de Chickera challenge the status quo and invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of their society. In this edition, readers will delve into the thought-provoking creations of these artists, who use their mediums to challenge societal norms and shed light on pressing issues.
Featuring over 80 caricatures and cartoon drawings collectively of the three presented artists, this curated collection of ARTRA Magazine's Comics & Caricatures edition is a glimpse through time, consisting of works published and exhibited for over 77 years, from 1964 to September 2023. "Comics, caricatures and cartoon drawings are integral components as they offer perceptive insights in creatively stimulating forms, particularly in political discourses - with the ability to distil news in accessible and instant commentary of current affairs. Comical depictions can cast a powerful interpretation on the day’s news whilst also capturing the imitable persona of their subjects in order to humanise the topic they depict in artistic flair, exposing the grotesque and gruesome, in all honesty.
Each work selected for this edition was based on its importance in addressing and dissecting a critical question of the time in exquisite draughtmanship and creative prowess alongside distinctive caricatures that reflect poignant representations of those depicted" shared ARTRA Founder and Editor-in-Chief Azara Jaleel. She adds, "It was an incredibly rewarding and gratifying experience for me to curate this edition - researching upon the works of the featured artists, collating their works of art from foundations to private and public collections, early publications to newspapers that date back to the 1930’s."
A corollary to this special edition, the three-day Art Experiential Festival (AEF) on the Bawa Brothers will explore the legendary works by Geoffrey and Bevis Bawa, their relationship and their legacy through a curated series of programmes that includes art talks, art tours, art exhibits and experiences led by industry personalities. At the festival, tour Bevis Bawa's Brief Gardens with author Juliet Coombe in an interactive walk and talk as she spills untold stories about the wonderfully hypnotic space, or chat with Dooland de Silva, guardian and owner of Brief for insight into the thinking and humour behind Bevis's extraordinary architectural garden design.
Join Cresside Collete, artist and daughter of political satirist Aubrey Collette and Rohan de Soysa, close friend of Bevis Bawa and Chairman of Sapumal Foundation for an engaging conversation or get to know all about women who brought colour to Sri Lankan architecture, Babara Sansoni and Ena de Silva from close friend and renowned architect C. Anjalendran, or get a glimpse of ARTRA Magazines forthcoming edition 2024 with celebrated architect and art historian Ismeth Raheem at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. Hear all about island voodoo and the demonic world from author and tea specialist Herman Gunaratne, delve into social commentary with cartoonist Gihan de Chickera and Group Director of Maharaja Chevaan Daniels, or immerse in sound healing and art therapy with sound alchemist Rachel Chanmugam and art educationist and art therapy practitioner Priscilla Caren. T
he AEF is a ticketed three-day festival, open to both locals and tourists. Tickets are available for single events (talks and tours), as well as day passes or three-day festival passes. The Comic & Caricature edition launch and the festival are a wonderfully curated marriage of art and architecture and bring together some of Sri Lanka's most renowned and respected of the two communities.
(PIX COURTESY : ARTRA)
1 Comments
Sally Bosson says:
Oct 29, 2023 at 03:05 amThe Bawa Brothers were cousins of mine, I would be very interested in more information about this. Bevis was in correspondence with my Godmother, another cousin, throughout their lives.