Exhibition and Documentary Film on Buddhist Art of Sri Lanka

 

 

A joint presentation of:

St. Norbert Arts Centre, Ruines Du Monastere of Winnipeg

Manitoba Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Association &

University of Manitoba, Faculty of Education

 

At St Norbert Arts Centre

October 14th and 15th 2005 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Display of 135 Exhibits and 9 posters and Film Show

and

At the University of Manitoba Faculty of Education

October 14th and 15th 2005 - 9:00am to 2:00pm

Display of 35 Exhibits and 20 posters

 

 

Exhibitions at the St Norbert Arts Centre and the University included a selection of 170 exhibits of Buddhist paintings that represent a period that exceeds 2200 years, from 3rd Century BCE to the 21st Century. They represent a diversity of historic sites including sites designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites – Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Mahanuwara (Kandy). A sample of exquisite vihara paintings of the 20th & 21st centuries was also included.

 

Paintings that were displayed are found on ancient cave and rock surfaces, walls, ceilings, doors, wooden surfaces, clay and earthenware, and on textiles in Buddhist shrines and historic sites. They revealed the variation in art styles, art traditions and approaches to paintings in the past. Themes of paintings highlighted the life and teachings of the Buddha. The narrative scripts presented with exhibits outlined the history and major elements of art works of different periods of art in Sri Lanka.

 

The objective of the exhibition and the documentary film was to provide a glimpse of the island’s Buddhist art - a fascinating aspect of the visual cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, showing the richness of imagination, creativity, aesthetic sense and inspiration of our artists. We expect visual presentations of this nature to bring about increased awareness and appreciation of the richness of this cultural heritage. The glowing comments made by many who experienced the event show that this purpose was well served.

 

Buddhist works of art are known to generate inner calm, and evoke serene joy and emotion among people irrespective of their religious or cultural background. It was a pleasure to note the great interest with which many Canadians of diverse cultural backgrounds participating in the event. Evidently the event was of particular interest to people of Sri Lankan origin, including the younger generation of Sri Lankan Canadians in Winnipeg. The most encouraging comments made by the many university academic staff and senior professionals of Winnipeg who patronized the event, was most encouraging. A large group of interested people attended the events on both days.

 

The two Opening ceremonies at the St Norbert Arts Centre were a delightful sight, with an authentic Traditional “Udarata” dance performed elegantly by Chayamika Abeysekara and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Chief Guests. The Chief Guest on October 14th was Professor Brenda Cantello of the University of Manitoba. On October 15th, there were two Chief Guests: Honourable Kerri Irvin Ross, MLA - Fort Garry who expressed greetings on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, and Honourable Marilyn Brick, MLA – St Norbert. Clad in traditional “reddha and hatte” three cute little girls presented gifts to the Chief Guests. Radhika Abeysekara acted most admirably as the MC at the Opening Ceremonies on both days.

 

This event was made possible because of the initiative and leadership of the gracious Radhika Abeysekera of the Manitoba Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Association, to whom the Traveling Exhibition Service is most grateful. Also, we are thankful to the Directors and officials of the several Winnipeg cultural organizations who were actively involved in various ways in the organization of this event. We appreciate the dedicated service of the group of youth volunteers, mostly university students, clad in traditional outfits, both at the exhibition and the film show. Judging from the positive reaction of those who experienced the event.

 

The net proceeds and the special donations received at the Winnipeg exhibition and Film show events will be for the benefit of Tsunami affected Children (see www.kalaava.com).

 

 

 

 

COMMENTS OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS:

 

Hon. MLA Kerri Irvin Ross: “Incredible, Beautiful and Breathtaking! I can’t wait to visit Sri Lanka”;

 

Hon. MLA Marilyn Brick: “Thank you, the exhibit was wonderful…”

 

Professor Brenda Cantello: “A beautiful Film and exhibit full of rich images”;

 

Professor Sarath Abeysekara, University of Manitoba:

“What a wonderful production! It was deeply inspiring to see our heritage come alive on the screen. I especially loved the educational value of your production. I think the whole world should see it. A translation to Sinhela could provide a fantastic history lesson to our folks in Sri Lanka. You make us proud to be Sri Lankans”;

 

Dr. Indira Ratnayake: “An extraordinary documentary show! Thanks for the opportunity”;

 

Mr. Daya & Mrs. Shyamie Perera: Incredible presentation, Very Inspirational!

 

Mr. Athula Rajapaksa: Excellent! Invaluable!! Very Inspirational;

 

Ms. Diane Dwarka: “Inspiring Exhibit”;

 

Mr. Asoka Gunasekera: Excellent! Hardwork!! Unbelievable!!! We enjoyed a lot…”