The Forest School workshop at the scenic Ellerton Bungalow in Gampola last week was a truly transformative experience for a diverse group of emerging artists from various artistic practices across the country.
As part of the eighth edition of Colomboscope, the Forest School provided a unique platform for skill-building, practical exercises, and communal exchanges in a horizontal learning environment.
The unique team behind Colomboscope, including artistic director Natasha Ginwala, guest curator Sarker Protick, festival advisor and coordinator Jan Ramesh de Saram, festival manager Shahdia Jamaldeen, programs and communications coordinator Marie Waarlo, honorary advisor Shanika Perera, and video documentation specialist Yash Suriyapperuma, collectively contributed their expertise to create an exceptionally informative, artistic, and transformative workshop experience.
Two standout presentations at the workshop included “The Blooming Kadupul” by Shehan Obeysekara, where he shared how his photographic practice enhanced his understanding of the natural world and enabled him to apply diverse knowledge in his work.
Ibrahim Mahama’s online session explored his visionary approach to creating communal arts infrastructures in Ghana, highlighting the role of land resources and agrarian areas in shaping creative architecture and promoting intergenerational artistic learning that challenges conventional value systems and privilege. These presentations added significant value to the workshop experience.
The intensity of the workshop resonated deeply with the participants, as they had the opportunity to engage with renowned artists, expand their artistic perspectives, and forge meaningful connections with fellow participants.
Creative Island – From Forest School to Sensory Architectures is a project by EUNIC Sri Lanka, Colomboscope, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust and Kälam (Jaffna). EUNIC — European Union National Institutes for Culture — is Europe’s network of national cultural institutes and organizations, with 36 members from all EU member states and associated countries. EUNIC Sri Lanka - consisting of the Alliance Française, the Goethe-Institut, the British Council, the Italian Embassy, and the Dutch Embassy.
The Sunday Observer also participated in the workshop, engaging with the artists individually to capture their reflections and experiences, adding an insightful dimension to the workshop coverage.
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Marie Waarlo - Communication and Public Programs Manager - Colomboscope
I am very content with the way the initial idea and concept of the Forest School has translated into a meaningful four-day program. It was wonderful and truly inspiring to get to know the group and everyone’s practices.
Whilst, to me it felt like the mentors who led the workshop sessions were the glue that held the group together, and added a lot to the dynamics of how the Forest School has unfolded, I found it especially beautiful to observe how the participants bonded and connected with each other over the sessions and their works. I overheard many great conversations between cultural practitioners from different parts of the island who probably would not have met, if not for this workshop initiative.
The Ellerton Bungalow hosted the entire group extremely welcoming and the natural beauty of the location and its surroundings complimented the workshop content perfectly.
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Shahdia Jamaldeen - Colomboscope Festival Manager
Immersive workshops like these are absolutely important for both growing and mature creative practitioners, because it helps you become aware that the world of art is constantly changing and mutating. The chance to be guided by facilitators who are experts in their craft doesn’t come often, and I feel that everyone who took part came away a little richer in knowledge, experience and connections.
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Pulasthi Handunge is an artist and architecture enthusiast who finds immense inspiration in the wonders of nature. Through the medium of plein air sketches, using watercolours, pens, and pencils, Pulasthi masterfully captures the intricate details and essence of various landscapes. Spatial character and design have become integral aspects of Pulasthi’s lifestyle, greatly influencing their artistic expression. The Forest School workshop, which centered around natural interrelationships, indigenous knowledge, and natural history, held great anticipation for Pulasthi.
He envisioned this experience as an opportunity for personal growth, a deeper understanding of the natural world, and a great chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for the environment. “The workshop has opened up a whole new world of artistic inspiration for me, and I am immensely grateful for the experience,” Pulasthi added.
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Rinoshan Susiman is an interdisciplinary artist from Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, holding a BFA and MFA in art and design. His work combines digital and conventional mediums to explore the metaphysical concept of the “Self” as it manifests through unconscious actions. By manipulating data related to weight, gravity, movement, space, and time, Rinoshan creates a visual language that reflects aspects of their unconscious self.
Summarizing his experience at the Forest School, he said, “The Forest School workshop has provided an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fellow artists and explore their creative processes. Learning from a diverse range of artists with unique backgrounds and perspectives has been truly enriching. This workshop has opened up a whole new world of artistic inspiration for me, and I am immensely grateful for the experience.”
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The workshop experience exceeded my expectations. It was truly inspiring to be surrounded by fellow artists who share the same passion and dedication. I am grateful to the facilitators for generously sharing their knowledge and expertise, which has undoubtedly enriched my artistic practice.” – Chamindika Abeysinghe
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Malinda Jayasinghe’s self-taught artistic practice delves into themes of identity and freedom, particularly exploring the impact of societal constructs on individual agency. Through drawing, painting, and sculpting, he critiques power structures, addressing issues of supremacism based on race, religion, and gender. Growing up in a patriarchal and majoritarian culture, his childhood experiences and observations of systemic oppression fuel his exploration of religious biases, racial and gender privileges, and institutional oppression within a multicultural society.
“The limited opportunities for emerging artists in Sri Lanka make events like Colomboscope and the Forest School workshop incredibly valuable. As someone without prior knowledge or experience in the arts, transitioning from a corporate background, I have recently begun exploring my artistic capabilities. These events serve as encouragement and guidance, helping me discover my future path in art while sharpening my knowledge. Moreover, they provide a wonderful networking opportunity to connect with other emerging artists and share knowledge,” Malinda said.
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Krishanth Kathiramalai, a self-taught artist residing in Batticaloa, has found solace and purpose in art. Despite taking a different career path, Krishanth sees art as a mode of expression that allows him to perceive life fearlessly. Art has provided a new dimension and perspective, helping him rise above bullying, humiliation, guilt, and regret. Through his collections heavily influenced by Batticaloa’s geographical surroundings, Krishanth explores the shared experiences of suffering, poverty, natural disasters, and war, while also finding joy in the lagoons, sea, forests, and paddy fields. His artworks portray human emotions such as detachment, grief, survival, emptiness, and despair, intertwining them with the power of nature to transform adversity into beauty.
“Participating in this workshop allowed me to connect with numerous artists, and their insights provided valuable answers to questions. It was truly a remarkable opportunity for me to improve my work. Initially as a newcomer to this field, I experienced a mix of emotions, feeling both scared and nervous about presenting my work. However, the workshop’s environment proved to be incredibly supportive and encouraging,” said Krishanth.
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Krishnapriya, an artist hailing from Jaffna, delves into the realm of pre-born memory through her unique artistic expression. She chooses a specific language for her creations, weaving a personal narrative that intertwines desire, impressions, and the essence of her life. Employing drawings as a form of performance, she unveils psychological dimensions in a poetic manner. Her work explores the enigmatic space between touch and being touched, delving into the realm of the unknown and unseen. Through the interplay of dots and lines, Krishnapriya traces the paths of her memory, inscribing the imprints of her past.
Krishnapriya, expressed her immense joy and gratitude for participating in the Forest School Residency. “The organizers and contributors provided all the essential support, creating a peaceful and relaxing venue. The opportunity to meet intellectuals from various fields enriched my experience, inspiring me with a multitude of ideas through presentations and talks. The serene ambiance, complemented by music and nature, infused a positive energy into the comprehensive and informative discussions,” she said.
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The Forest School workshop was a unique opportunity to redefine the concept of a forest, offering a fresh perspective on its vast meaning. As an artist preparing for the upcoming Colomboscope exhibition, attending this workshop proved immensely valuable. Interacting with diverse individuals and being exposed to their thoughts, creations, and emotions brought about a profound sense of change and joy.
“Shehan Obeysekara’s works resonated deeply, while the contributions of Chamindika and Pulahandunga strengthened our artistic bond. The picturesque setting of the Ellerton bungalow and its natural surroundings provided an ideal backdrop for the forest-school-themed activities. This workshop not only benefitted me personally but also holds relevance to my artistic practice. I express my gratitude to the Colomboscope team for this incredible opportunity,” said Arul.
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Pankaja Withanachchi, a founding member of TechArtICT, combines engineering expertise with a passion for interactive art. His solo exhibition at MakeICT highlighted the meticulous process of creating immersive designs, showcasing hand-soldered electronics and intricate assembly. Collaborating with fibre artist Ernie Kind enriched his work with diverse perspectives and multidisciplinary approaches. Through partnerships with organizations like Harvester Arts and TechArtICT he actively engages in community-building and placemaking. With upcoming projects on the horizon, Pankaja and TechArtICT continue to seek collaborative opportunities to create extraordinary and meaningful artwork.
“The experience was incredibly dynamic and enjoyable, with every aspect bringing immense pleasure and inspiration. Meeting new people and receiving feedback sparked inspiration and provided fresh perspectives for my future artistic endeavours. The Forest School proved to be an exceptional weekend, leaving a lasting impression and a profound sense of fulfillment,” Pankaja said.
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Fathima Rukshana is a multidisciplinary artist and activist from Kurunegala. Her work focuses on gender biases, societal expectations, and the dehumanization of women, exploring the ways in which women reclaim their agency and freedom. Through her inter-disciplinary art process, she uses discarded artifacts and weaving techniques as metaphors for reclaiming agency and breaking free from societal constraints. Fathima’s practice also reflects on human identity and the connection with nature, paying homage to nature through the use of natural and organic materials.
“The workshop was incredibly helpful for artists, teaching us valuable skills. I particularly learned how to communicate my art in a way that everyone can understand. It was amazing to meet artists from different disciplines and learn from their experiences. This experience has really improved my art practice and will continue to inspire me in the future,” Rukshana said.
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Mahesha Kariyapperuma is a final year landscape architecture student and artist who has developed a profound love for art throughout her life. Over the past four years, she has dedicated herself to exploring various artistic mediums, techniques, and styles to find her own unique creative voice. Her passion lies in digital art, particularly in the realm of conceptual art, where she seamlessly blends reality and fantasy to convey important messages.
“Attending the Forest School, my initial goal was to gain a basic understanding of creating a portfolio since I come from a non-artistic background. However, the experience surpassed my expectations as it provided much more than just knowledge about the artist’s process. It allowed me to gain clarity and discover my own artistic practice. The discussions, presentations and exercises were conducted in a relaxed manner, and despite the depth of the information shared, I never felt overwhelmed or stressed. The serene surroundings of Ellerton also played a significant role in creating a peaceful atmosphere throughout the workshop. I am forever grateful for being selected to participate in this transformative experience,” Mahesha said.
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Malki Jayakody, a multidisciplinary artist, explores the theme ‘The Colourism & Me’ through a variety of materials including watercolour, ink, oil, pencil, and pen. Her work challenges the harmful beliefs associated with racism and colourism, emphasizing the beauty and worth of all skin tones. Through portraits, including self-portraits, Malki aims to shed light on the struggles faced by those affected by colourist sentiments, particularly women.
“The workshop provided me with a precious opportunity to receive insightful and thought-provoking feedback from both fellow artists and facilitators. This aspect is truly invaluable to me and something I deeply cherish from this experience. I gained a multitude of inspirations and discovered new ways to utilize materials that I had never considered before. This workshop has become a significant turning point in my artistic journey, and I am immensely grateful for being given this chance to grow and evolve as an artist,” Malki said.