By Discovery of Histories: A New Chapter in Art and Society
At the Saskia Fernando Gallery, Jagath Weerasinghe unveils Discovery of Histories, an exhibition that focuses on art reflecting today’s issues instead of the distant past or future. This show marks a turning point in his career, highlighting his growth and his critical view of Sri Lanka’s urgent social and political challenges.
Weerasinghe explains that his work does not target one specific problem but instead responds intuitively to the realities of today. He believes art should capture life as it happens, using raw emotion rather than detailed planning.
The exhibition addresses global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, showing how problems like racism and nationalism affect everyone. The artist also critiques Sri Lanka’s rise in ethno-nationalism, where politicians use national pride to gain power, resulting in exclusion and social division.
Featuring works created from 2020 to 2024, including the Under the Dark Sky series, Weerasinghe portrays both the anxiety and hope felt during times of local and global instability. His art also shines a light on marginalized communities, like LGBTQ+ individuals, whose voices are often silenced in crisis.
He challenges the trend of treating art as a mere commodity and calls for straightforward, authentic expression. Despite current political challenges, Weerasinghe remains hopeful about the power of collective action and advocates for active public participation in democracy.
A recurring symbol in his work is the ruined stupa, which he uses to question how peaceful teachings can be twisted to justify violence. In his series Explorers Have Eyes and Guns, the stupa represents resilience and a call to reclaim a more inclusive history.
Discovery of Histories is both a personal journey and a commentary on today’s global conflicts, inviting viewers to reflect on identity, politics, and hope for a better future.
