• Tracing the footsteps of a Sri Lankan art icon with Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda

Within the scope of Sri Lankan art, there are a few artists from the last century or so who have gone on to become household names. George Keyt is one of them. His work, characterised by a masterful synthesis of classical Sinhala motifs, modernist art movements like surrealism and cubism, and his inherent avant-garde sensibilities, remains distinctive even today. 

A prolific artist who painted into his 90s, Keyt’s body of work is large. However, despite his work being so well-known, there hasn’t been a lot of focused study on Keyt and his work. This is something Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita-Delgoda is looking to remedy with the release of his new book – ‘George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image’. This seminal work not only delves into the life and art of George Keyt but also sheds light on his profound impact on modern Asian art.

Dr. Tammita-Delgoda stands as one of Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent historians, academics, and filmmakers, renowned for his profound insights on our art, history, and culture. With a distinguished academic background and extensive research experience, he has delved deep into the complexities of Sri Lankan heritage, shedding new light on the lives of influential figures like George Keyt, Stanley Kirinde, and much of our heritage art. 

Dr. Tammita-Delgoda’s scholarly endeavours look to enrich understanding of South Asian art and history. His publications include ‘The World of Stanley Kirinde’ (2005) – a comprehensive exploration of eminent artist Stanley Kirinde’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. He followed this with ‘Ridi Vihare: The Flowering of Kandyan Art’ (2007), which offers profound insights into the evolution of Kandyan artistry. Additionally, his collaboration with Nihal Fernando resulted in ‘Eloquence in Stone: The Lithic Saga of Sri Lanka’ (2008), a seminal study illuminating the significance of Sri Lanka’s lithic inscriptions throughout history. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Brunch, Dr. Tammita-Delgoda, along with Uditha Devapriya, the research coordinator for ‘George Keyt: The Absence of a Desired Image,’ shared insights into Keyt's life, his artistic journey, and his significance in the border context of not just Sri Lankan, but South Asian art. 

George Keyt himself

George Keyt (1901-1993) was more than just a painter; he was a rebel and a nonconformist, challenging the norms of his time and redefining the contours of art. Born into a highly Anglicised middle-class family in Kandy, Keyt’s early life seemed to foreshadow a conventional trajectory. However, this trajectory took a dramatic turn, when in his youth, he renounced his Western upbringing and delved deep into the heritage of his country.

Keyt’s artistic repertoire extended beyond conventional boundaries, especially for artists of the time, encompassing diverse themes ranging from Buddhist philosophy to contemporary social issues. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional motifs with modern sensibilities reflects his nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics.

“Keyt’s life was a fascinating tale of transformation. He traversed realms of religion, culture, and identity, ultimately forging a unique artistic voice that transcended borders,” Dr. Tammita-Delgoda mused, adding that Keyt’s artistic journey extended beyond the confines of Sri Lanka, resonating with audiences across continents. 

His sojourns in South India and interactions with Indian artists such as M.F. Husain and Mulk Raj Anand underscored his pan-Asian appeal: “These travels and engagements with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds reflect his cosmopolitan outlook and his role as a bridge between East and West.”

‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ marks a significant milestone in the study of Keyt’s life and work. The book meticulously traces Keyt’s artistic evolution, highlighting his early writings, drawings, and the profound influence of Buddhism and Sinhala culture on his work. Through a comprehensive exploration of Keyt’s oeuvre, the book aims to fill existing research gaps and showcase previously unseen facets of his artistry.

“This was a book I really wanted to do. I went out of my way to make it happen and made huge sacrifices to do so. As a scholar of the art, history, and culture of Sri Lanka, I could not turn down the opportunity to work on Keyt,” Dr. Tammita-Delgoda said of what sparked the book and this study into Keyt’s life. 

‘The Absence of a Desired Image’

The publication of ‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ not only celebrates Keyt’s artistic legacy but also situates him within the broader narrative of modern Asian art. “In a wider context, it is more or less a story not just of Keyt but also of Sri Lanka in the 21st century. It charts Sri Lanka’s contribution to modernism in Asia, filling research gaps and offering new avenues of exploration,” the book’s research coordinator Uditha Devapriya emphasised. 

“‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ aims to feature the large body of Keyt’s work which has not appeared in the principal publications about him. It also seeks to show works of art which have not been widely seen, not well known, and some completely unknown and unseen.”

In the pages of ‘The Absence of a Desired Image,’ Dr. Tammita-Delgoda – building off of sources meticulously researched by Devapriya and his team of research assistants – navigates through Keyt’s artistic evolution, from his early forays into traditional Sinhala art to his bold experiments with modernist forms. The book serves as a testament to Keyt’s relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and his unwavering commitment to cultural exploration.

‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ is published by the Taprobane Collection. Renowned for its extensive gathering of paintings and artworks, the collection represents a curated selection of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated artists. Under the discerning eye of collection owner and curator Shamil Peiris, each piece is a testament to the evolution of Sri Lankan artistry, spanning from the colonial era to contemporary expressions. 

Beyond paintings and sculptures, the Taprobane Collection encompasses a diverse array of artefacts, historical objects, and vintage photographs, offering a holistic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s multifaceted history and culture.

In collaboration, Dr. Tammita-Delgoda and the Taprobane Collection have meticulously curated ‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ to be a comprehensive exploration of Keyt’s life and artistry. This publication stands as a testament to their dedication, offering readers unprecedented access to Keyt’s previously unpublished works and profound insights into his cultural impact. 

Keyt’s significance in contemporary art

The enduring relevance of George Keyt lies in his ability to encapsulate the spirit of his era while transcending temporal boundaries. “Keyt’s life and work epitomise a story of discovery, identity, and transformation in a changing Sri Lanka. He brought East and West together, creating something new,” Dr. Tammita-Delgoda explained, noting that Keyt’s paintings, characterised by vibrant colours and intricate motifs, continue to captivate viewers with their timeless appeal.

Devapriya also emphasised on the enduring relevance of Keyt’s legacy in the present day: “In an increasingly fragmented world, Keyt’s art serves as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity. His ability to transcend linguistic, cultural, and ideological barriers underscores the transformative power of artistic expression. In an era overshadowed by insular nationalism, Keyt’s life, career, and work help us understand the dynamics of modernism and nationalism in a more vibrant context. His contributions extend beyond mere artistic endeavours, offering insights into cultural evolution and national identity.”

Devapriya’s role in compiling ‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ was integral to the exhaustive research that underpins the book’s comprehensive exploration of George Keyt’s life and work. As research coordinator, Devapriya spearheaded a multifaceted effort to gather and collate a wealth of material that had previously eluded mainstream attention. 

Working with two assistants, Uthpala Wijesuriya and Pasindu Nimsara, Devapriya’s approach involved tapping into a diverse range of sources, including libraries, research centres, and personal interviews with individuals connected to George Keyt. 

“Hunting down research material from libraries proved to be a formidable challenge, especially with closures due to the pandemic. However, the journey was profoundly enriching and the knowledge gained from Dr. Tammita-Delgoda’s mentorship was invaluable,” Devapriya shared on the more challenging aspects of coordinating research for the book. 

One key resource, especially in the restricted days of the pandemic, came from the J.R. Jayewardene Centre, where Devapriya unearthed invaluable insights into Keyt’s formative years and artistic evolution.

This depth of research, fostered by Dr. Tammita-Delgoda’s synergistic approach and open-handedness to work with (and credit) Devapriya and his assistants, is what builds the interdisciplinary nature of ‘The Absence of a Desired Image’. 

“The book not only showcases Keyt’s artistic prowess but also situates him within the sociopolitical milieu of his time. By contextualising Keyt’s work within broader historical narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern South Asian art,” Devapriya shared.

“Keyt’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of art. His relentless pursuit of truth, beauty, and self-expression serves as a guiding light for future generations of artists and thinkers,” Dr. Tammita-Delgoda shared as a parting thought on George Keyt’s significance in the modern and contemporary art zeitgeist. 

“His paintings resonate with a timeless quality that transcends geographical and temporal confines. His ability to capture the essence of human experience through vivid imagery and evocative symbolism speaks to the universality of art.”

‘The Absence of a Desired Image’ is available for purchase through various channels, including direct ordering from the Taprobane Collection or through leading book shops across Sri Lanka. Additionally, the book may be available for purchase online through authorised retailers and platforms specialising in art and cultural publications