- ‘Poetics of Home and the World’ reflects the influential personality
In the vibrant cultural landscape of modern Sri Lanka, Mahagama Sekara stands as a towering figure, a polymath whose artistic genius transcends the boundaries of painting, poetry, playwriting, lyricism, novels, and filmmaking. The recent symposium titled Poetics of Home and the World brought together a panel of distinguished speakers, each shedding light on different facets of Sekara’s profound influence.
The event took place at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on 12 January, and this article delves into the rich tapestry woven by the words and reflections of the speakers at this enlightening conversation, offering a comprehensive exploration of Sekara’s legacy.
A maestro’s perspective
As a painter, poet, playwright, lyricist, novelist, and filmmaker, Mahagama Sekara approached art as a language that bridges the gap between the personal and the universal. “Art is the language that transcends boundaries,” Sekara has remarked in the past, emphasising the power of artistic expression to connect the essence of home to the vast world unfolding before us. In every stroke of his paintings and in each verse of his poetry, Sekara sought to unravel the profound relationship between the individual’s inner home and the broader world we all share.
Sinhala literature: A sacred tapestry
Dancer, choreographer, and percussionist Dr. Ravibandhu Vidyapathy eloquently articulated Mahagama Sekara’s profound impact on Sinhala literature. At the symposium, Vidyapathy delved into the intricate layers of Sekara’s literary contributions, emphasising how they have become an integral part of the sacred tapestry that is Sinhala literature.
“Sinhala literature is a sacred tapestry,” Dr. Vidyapathy expressed with a discerning passion, “woven through time, carrying the essence of our cultural identity.” In these words, he captured the essence of Sekara’s influence, positioning him as a weaver of narratives that transcend the temporal boundaries of literary epochs.
As we explore Sekara’s literary tapestry, we encounter a nuanced perspective on the Sinhala language. Dr. Vidyapathy highlighted: “Mahagama Sekara’s threads are woven intricately into Sinhala literature’s narrative, making it a vessel that carries the stories of home across linguistic seas.” The metaphor of a vessel symbolises the transformative power of language, a vessel that sails across linguistic seas, carrying narratives that echo the spirit of home while navigating the vast oceans of cultural diversity.
To further underscore Sekara’s significance in shaping cultural identity through language, Dr. Vidyapathy drew upon Sekara’s exploration of the Sinhala language. “In every poetic line, in every carefully crafted sentence, Sekara delves into the heart of Sinhala, extracting its nuances and presenting them as jewels in the literary crown of Sri Lanka.” Here, the language becomes not just a medium of expression but a repository of cultural treasures, each word carrying the weight of collective memories and shared experiences.
Quoting Sekara, Dr. Vidyapathy reinforced the idea that “Sinhala literature is not just a collection of words; it’s a living entity that breathes life into the narratives of our homes, transcending borders and connecting us to the broader world.” This perspective positions Sinhala literature as a dynamic force that, through Sekara’s contributions, opens a window to the world while rooted firmly in the soil of Sri Lankan culture.
Visual poetics of Sri Lankan Culture
The University of the Visual and Performing Arts’ Faculty of Visual Arts Dean Jagath Ravindra delved into the visual poetics embedded in Sekara’s paintings. “Visual art is a silent conversation,” Ravindra explained, “and Sekara’s canvases speak eloquently about the visual poetics of home and the expansive world.” Sekara’s paintings masterfully blend the colours of tradition with avant-garde strokes of modernity, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the diverse rhythms of Sri Lanka.
The theatrical canvas
Writer and translator Dileepa Abeysekera emphasised Sekara’s influence in the realm of theatre. “The stage is a canvas where the playwright paints stories,” Abeysekera noted, “and Mahagama Sekara’s scripts are vibrant hues that illuminate the theatrical space.” Sekara’s plays transcend time, inviting actors and audiences alike to step into the intricate dance between the domestic and the global on the theatrical platform.
Literature as a mirror
Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi, who is attached to the Department of Sinhala of the Peradeniya University’s Faculty of Arts, served as a bridge between literature and cultural reflection. “Literature serves as a mirror,” Prof. Amarakeerthi asserted, “reflecting the diverse facets of home and the world, echoing the cultural symphony that Mahagama Sekara so brilliantly contributed to.” Sekara’s works invite contemplation on the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, rooted in the rich soil of Sri Lankan culture.
Unveiling Sekara’s multifaceted legacy
The symposium Poetics of Home and the World served as a tribute to a cultural luminary who left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of modern Sri Lanka. Mahagama Sekara’s legacy extends beyond individual artistic endeavours, weaving a comprehensive narrative that intertwines the personal and the collective. His works beckon us to explore the profound intersections of identity, belonging, and global consciousness.
In the end, as we embarked on a journey through the multifaceted tapestry of Sekara’s creations, we found ourselves immersed in a harmonious dialogue where the home and the world converge. Mahagama Sekara’s profound influence echoes through his paintings, poetry, plays, lyrics, novels, and films, inviting us to reflect on the intricate threads that connect us to our roots and propel us into the vast expanse of the world beyond. His art, a timeless expression of the poetics of home and the world, continues to inspire and resonate in the hearts of those who seek to explore the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through the eyes of a true maestro.