Art is how we as humans have expressed ourselves, our feelings, and emotions since the dawn of time. Art is how we communicate what excites, what drives us, and how we see the world.
One of the most common themes in art is nature – from the beauty of nature to the impact we have on it. One such exhibition exploring just these themes is now on view at Radicle Art Gallery in Fort.
‘Samudraagam’, derived from the Sanskrit words Samudra (sea) and Raagam (rhythm or melody), Samudraagam brings together diverse artistic responses to the ocean, exploring its enduring presence within Sri Lanka’s ecological, cultural, spiritual, and historical landscapes. The exhibition presents the sea not merely as a geographical entity but as a site of memory, livelihood, belief, and transformation.
The group exhibition, which opened on 24 June and will go on till 19 July, was centered around World Ocean Day (celebrated each year on 8 June) and reflects themes of emotion,migration and politics, which often has associations with the ocean. The exhibition will be open to the public along with several workshops on art and clay therapy throughout the month.
Appreciating the ocean
A lot of people see the ocean as a fascinating ecosystem while others see it as a way of migration and exploration. For some, it is a breathtaking natural wonder filled with diverse marine life, while for others it represents adventure, migration and opportunity. Coastal communities depend on the sea for their livelihoods in fishing and tourism.
Sri Lanka’s relationship with the ocean is especially significant. As an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the sea has shaped the country’s history, economy and cultural identity. Fishing communities have relied on it for generations, while ancient trade routes connected Sri Lanka with distant civilizations through its waters. Today, the ocean continues to influence tourism, environmental conservation and everyday life.
This deep connection is reflected throughout Samudraagam. The exhibition features artists such as Catharina Danial, Hasindu Jayasinghe and Poornima Samarasinghe as they explore their passion for art and sculpture.
Rather than presenting the sea as a simple landscape, the exhibition encourages visitors to think about the many roles it plays in society. The artworks explore joy, loss, resilience and hope, reminding audiences that the ocean carries countless human stories within its waves.
Art as a voice for nature
One of the strengths of Samudraagam is its ability to use art as a platform for environmental awareness. Climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity loss have become pressing global issues, and artists are increasingly responding to these concerns through creative expression.
Several pieces in the exhibition encourage viewers to reflect on humanity's impact on the ocean. Through painting, sculpture, mixed media and installation art, artists examine themes such as plastic pollution, disappearing ecosystems and the fragile relationship between people and nature.
One installation that spoke to us is ‘Choking the Blue’ by artist Janaka Herath. The ceramic sculptures were a response to the X-press Pearl disaster and the issue of marine pollution.
Rather than presenting scientific facts alone, the artworks invite emotional engagement. They encourage visitors to consider how their everyday actions affect marine environments and inspire conversations about sustainability and conservation.
Different perspectives, shared experiences
As a group exhibition, Samudraagam showcases the work of multiple artists, each bringing a unique perspective to the theme of the sea. Some focus on the vibrant colours and movement of the ocean, while others explore more personal narratives connected to identity and belonging.
This diversity allows visitors to experience the ocean through different lenses. A single painting may evoke feelings of peace and nostalgia, while another artwork may raise questions about displacement, conflict or environmental degradation. Together, these varied interpretations create a rich and engaging experience that speaks to audiences from different backgrounds.
One installation that stood out to us was the ‘Kauraya’ series that explores the magic of Sri Lanka’s coastal regions and the relationship between people and the sea. The series is done by artist Hasindu Jayasinghe and brings a rich blend of colours and embroidery.
The exhibition demonstrates that there is no single way to understand nature. Instead, each artist contributes to a broader conversation about humanity’s evolving relationship with the environment.
A space for creativity and healing
Beyond the exhibition itself, Samudraagam offers visitors the opportunity to participate in workshops on art and clay therapy. These sessions highlight the arts ability to promote wellbeing and will stretch from 11-19 July.
Creative activities provide people with a chance to slow down, reflect and express emotions that may be difficult to communicate through words. Clay therapy, in particular, encourages participants to engage with natural materials in a tactile and mindful way, helping reduce stress while fostering creativity.
These workshops make the exhibition more interactive, allowing visitors to move beyond simply observing artworks to creating their own. In doing so, Samudraagam becomes not only an exhibition but also a community space where people of all ages can explore creativity and connect with nature.
Celebrating Sri Lanka’s artistic landscape
Events like Samudraagam also play an important role in supporting Sri Lanka’s contemporary art scene. They provide emerging and established artists with opportunities to showcase their work while encouraging greater public appreciation for local artistic talent.
Art galleries serve as important cultural spaces where conversations about society, history and the environment can take place. Through exhibitions such as this, visitors are invited to engage with ideas that extend beyond aesthetics and consider the broader issues affecting their communities and the natural world.
A lasting impression
Ultimately, Samudraagam reminds us that art and nature have always been deeply connected. The sea continues to inspire artists because it reflects both the beauty and complexity of life itself.
By bringing together different artistic interpretations of the ocean, the exhibition encourages visitors to appreciate not only its visual beauty but also its cultural, historical and environmental significance. It highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while celebrating the enduring bond between people and the natural world.