Gods of Metal | Prageeth Manohansa

prageeth manohansa | gods of metal

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prageeth manohansa | gods of metal

9 November to 29 December 2012 Galerie Steph and Saskia Fernando Gallery Singapore

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foreword In gods of metal, Prageeth Manohansa presents the age-old contrast of industrialized culture versus utopian nature in new form. An incisive sculptor, Prageeth transforms banal scrap metal into stunning images of life and beauty. His sculptural pieces breathe with movement and emotion, and he captures this same dynamic spirit on paper with his charcoal drawings.

It is indeed a privilege to provide Prageeth his first international solo exhibition here. The long and exciting journey from Sri Lanka to Singapore was made achievable through the steady and generous support of Saskia Fernando Gallery, with whom it was a pleasure to partner on this exhibition.

Stephanie Tham Singapore, October 2012

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foreword It has been a pleasure working with Stephanie Tham of Galerie Steph on this collaboration and we are particularly pleased that Prageeth Manohansa’s first international show will be held in Singapore, a country that has strong links to Sri Lanka and a vibrant art industry.

In the three and a half years that we have worked with Manohansa he has continued on a steady path, becoming our island’s most cutting edge contemporary sculptor. Despite the increasing number of local artists who are inspired by his work, Manohansa remains unparalleled as a pioneering artist with a unique portfolio of works made of welded metal and paper, both of which are featured in this – his first international solo show.

Saskia Fernando Sri Lanka, October 2012

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introduction by saskia fernando Prageeth Manohansa belongs to a new wave of artists that have emerged from post-war Sri Lanka.

This movement follows two specific periods in Sri Lankan art history, namely that of the 43 Group and the 90s movement. The 43 Group introduced modern contemporary art to the island with heavy influences from western art, while the 90s movement changed the face of Sri Lankan art by drawing inspiration from the country's state of civil war and the social and cultural tension that ensued.

Following Manohansa’s studies in India, he returned to Sri Lanka to study under many of the artists from the 90s movement. But his education in art had in fact begun at home many years earlier under the guidance of his father, and it was during his university years that he began to put theory into practice.

Manohansa began exhibiting his work shortly after graduating from university. His works are now part of important private collections and were recently featured in the Indonesian design company Nuage Branding's 2012 calendar. It is the sustainable nature and conceptual form of Manohansa’s work that leaves him unrivaled. This young artist has the ability to capture movement and social concepts in heavy metal with a raw organic skill.

In an interview with Tara John, Manohansa speaks of his past and present.

When did your interest in art begin?

When I was a child I learnt a lot from my father who was an art teacher in my school in Colombo.

My father is a well-rounded man. He supported eight people, who included my mother, four children and two grandparents, which forced him to take up many jobs. So, in addition to his teaching he made costumes for our school concerts that were made in our home at night. Occasionally he took up landscaping work. We helped him with the costumes he created. He also had old cars, which we helped him assemble.

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interview conducted by tara john After school we would go to his landscaping site because home was too far. I learnt a lot during those days. He also sold old broken cars, or needed to fix his taxi so we visited the junkyard regularly to find spare pieces. That is why I know every mechanical part I use, thanks to this exposure I had as a child. It was when I was 16 that I realized I wanted to become an artist.

Where did you go for university?

I went to Benares, India, for university to study for my Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Benares Institute.

There was a strike for four years at University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka which meant I was unable to begin my studies there. I studied for two years in Benares, and then went back to Sri Lanka to finish my degree once the strike ended. It was in India that I began studying sculpture.

In Benares the primary medium for learning sculpture was clay but many other mediums were used. I learnt the theory of art from my father but in India I began to focus on my artistic practice.

Did you have any mentors as a student? And are there any artists who have inspired you?

In India the famous sculptor, Balbir Singh Katt, was one of my teachers as well as the dean of the faculty of fine arts at the university. He was a huge inspiration to me.

Picasso is an influence; his bull’s head made from a bicycle seat. My father was the first person to introduce me to Picasso’s work.

Tell us a bit more about your university days In 2003 when I was studying for my BFA in Sri Lanka, we were not allowed to stay on campus.

I flouted the rules and stayed in a room there. No one told us off about it because back then I was quite radical in my behavior and style of art. Every week I would secretly create an installation in the canteen. Initially people were puzzled by these creations and wondered who did them, but eventually it became a main event every week. People were excited to see what was going to be made next, I had essentially created an exhibition hall.

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When did you first start assembling junk?

In ninth grade my father showed me a picture of Picasso’s bull's head; this is when I began to experiment with assembled art.

I began assembling scrap metal around 2000/2001 and since then it has always been my medium.

I never really attended university in Sri Lanka in my final two years. I would show up at lectures and sign the attendance form and then go to work. I was earning money from landscaping. This landscaping work inspired my submissions and my work and surroundings were so different from others in my class. My inspiration came from nature, not from the classroom; whilst the other students were doing their work in clay, I would find spare parts at work, which I assembled and submitted as sculptures. After that I did all my coursework based around assembled parts, and in my final project I worked with two cars placed vertically side-by-side. One was a Volkswagen and the other was a Cambridge. I saw them as a man and woman due to their shapes.

In 2000 I had my first solo exhibition showcasing everything I have ever made – paintings, sketches, cement work and modeling work. In that same exhibition, I had a few assembled sculptures.

Everyone raved about the works and it was then that I knew this was the path for me.

Why do you want to give life to junk?

It is a very powerful language and to me it is stronger than other media. Every part speaks.

Every part I use has a duty and a function, similar to that of a character. There are different histories from different parts that come together to form a different figure. This is particularly evident in my ‘Characters’ series.

Do you have a philosophy behind this?

I work with social themes particularly those involving the working class. I use industrial parts, such as shovels placed upright, one next to the other, to represent a family portrait. Even the two cars are different working parts, but together become a figure; vehicles are necessities in today's world.

Through my work I have changed the order of working tools and shaped them into a different order.

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How do you make your sculptures?

There are two methods I use in my creative process. One is where I use a preliminary sketch and then I choose the right parts I need. The other is when I stumble upon a part and begin visualizing the work with this piece. I then assemble the collected scrap parts and weld it together. I usually hire a welder so that I can have a better view of how it’s being welded.

I like to see what fits; I work using shapes and parts. I don’t warp them or change them at all.

There is a beauty in these different shapes. It becomes my duty to represent the social concepts of different cultures through these assembled sculptures.

What is the primary inspiration behind your sculpture?

Form is my inspiration, how I can manipulate metal to take the form I want it to. The object has a form and I transform it into the piece I am working on.

Describe your different series of sculpture to us Like a wristwatch, every piece of a machine has a purpose and the connection of each piece results in the final object. As such, my ‘Characters’ sculptures are made of many small pieces, each of them has a duty or character in the final composition.

For the ‘Gods’ series I was inspired by my time spent in India. I visited many spiritual places during these two years. Ganesh is the God I am most drawn to, though it was not the religious aspect that inspired me. The ‘Vesmuna’ (devil mask) series began because my father had two masks at home which enamored me. They had expressions that were incredibly prominent. These expressions would change while I stared at them. This is what I try to capture in my Vesmunas.

In my figurative pieces I aim to capture the beauty of nature.

The ‘Spade’ series was inspired by my landscaping work during my university years. I learnt of the problems and struggles of my fellow construction workers and we shared stories with one another.

The spades represent these people to me. Every old spade carries a story.

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cow scrap metal 2012

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125 cm x 85 cm x 195 cm

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bird scrap metal 2012

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90 cm x 55 cm x 127 cm

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couple of birds chrome 2012

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117 cm x 167 cm x 95 cm and 125 cm x 136 cm x 65 cm

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duck scrap metal 2012

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100 cm x 45 cm x 115 cm

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birds scrap metal 2012

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95 cm x 55 cm x 105 cm

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snake scrap metal 2012

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120 cm x 70 cm x 145 cm

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abstract form scrap metal 2012

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140 cm x 80 cm x 75 cm and 95 cm diameter

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fish scrap metal 2012

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11 fish in total biggest 12 cm x 36 cm x 6 cm and 750 g

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mask scrap metal 2012 130 cm x 90 cm x 225 cm

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siamese cat chrome 2012

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105 cm x 65 cm x 100 cm

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buffalo scrap metal 2012

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100 cm x 55 cm x 190 cm

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cityscape scrap metal 2012

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112 cm x 70 cm x 54 cm

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prageeth manohansa

education

solo exhibitions

group exhibitions

b. 1976

2000-2005 Bachelor of Sculpture, Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 1997-2000 Painting and Sculpture course, Benares Hindu University, India

2010 Assembled Art, in association with MIVET National Centre for the Arts and National Art Gallery, Maldives 2009 Exhibition of Sculpture, Amangalla Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka 2008 Galle Art Trail, Galle Film Festival, Galle, Sri Lanka 2003 Gamana, Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka

2012 Kaputa, Saskia Fernando Gallery, Amangalla Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka 2011 Contemporary Art from Sri Lanka 2011, Asia House, London, UK 2011 Script, Amangalla Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka 2009 Colombo Art Biennale, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2009 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2009 Art Auction with Channa Ekanayake, Kooii Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2008 Museum of Ethnology, Kusthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria 2007 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2006 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2006 Paradise Road Galleries, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2005 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2005 Tsunami, Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture, University Gallery, University of Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2004 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2004 With the Other, Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture, National Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka 2003 Kala Pola, organized by the George Keyt Foundation, Colombo, Sri Lanka 1999 Jhanaavi, Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture, Town Hall, Daltongani, Benares, India

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commissions Kerry and Ruth Hill Private Collection Colombo Courtyard Boutique Hotel Collection Arthur C Clark Private Collection Shirin Jacob Private Collection Mirissa Hills Sculpture Gallery Paradise Road Villa Bentota Collection Paradise Road The Gallery CafĂŠ Collection Ken and Swyrie Balendra Private Collection Gautam Nevatia Private Collection Leena and Vinod Hirdramani Private Collection Charlotte Breese Private Collection Nations Lanka Private Collection

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Copyright Š 2012 Galerie Steph, Singapore and Saskia Fernando Gallery, Sri Lanka All Rights Reserved, including the right to reproduce this catalogue or portions thereof in any form.

Edition published by Galerie Steph, Singapore With very special thanks to Dr. Shirin Jacob, Kamiliah Bahdar and Trent Neuer

prageeth manohansa | gods of metal exhibition presented in Singapore by Galerie Steph and Saskia Fernando Gallery from 9 November through 29 December 2012 at Galerie Steph, Artspace @ Helutrans, 39 Keppel Road, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 01-05, Singapore 089065.

This catalogue may not be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system and/or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic media or mechanical, including illustrations, photocopy, film or video recording, internet posting or any other information storage system without the permission of Prageeth Manohansa and the publisher.

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Galerie Steph steph@ galeriesteph.com www.galeriesteph.com

SASK IA FERNANDO

G A L L E RY info@ saskiafernandogallery.com www.saskiafernandogallery.com 4

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

S/N

Image

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Price

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Cityscape 2012 Scrap Metal 112cm x 70cm x 54cm

SGD $3,500

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA, Abstract Forms 2012 Scrap Metal 140cm x 80cm x 75cm (left), 95cm diameter (right)

SGD $8,000

All prices are subject to 7% GST

Details

Page 1 of 5

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bird I 2012 Scrap Metal 90cm x 55cm x 127cm

SGD $3,000

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bird II (Pair of Birds) 2012 Scrap Metal 95cm x 55cm x 105cm (in picture), 82cm x 54cm x 96cm

SGD $4,500

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bubble 2012 Scrap Metal 105cm x 70cm x 140cm

SGD $4,000

Page 2 of 5

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA A Pair of Birds Chrome 125cm x 136cm x 65cm (left), 117cm x 167cm x 95cm (right)

SGD $4,500

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Cow 2012 Scrap Metal 125cm x 85cm x 195cm

SGD $8,500

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Dog 2012 Chrome 100cm x 55cm x 105cm

SGD $3,000

Page 3 of 5

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Duck 2012 Scrap Metal 100cm x 45cm x 115cm

SGD $3,000

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Fish 2012 Scrap Metal

SGD $3,000

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Mask 2012 Scrap Metal 130cm x 90cm x 225cm

SGD $4,500

Page 4 of 5

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Snake 2012 Scrap Metal 120cm x 70cm x 145cm

SGD $4,000

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Siamese Cat 2012 Chrome 105cm x 65cm x 100cm

SGD $4,000

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Buffalo 2012 Scrap Metal 100cm x 55cm x 190cm

SGD $7,500

Page 5 of 5

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

S/N

1

Image

2

All prices are subject to 7% GST

Details

Price

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Cityscape 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Abstract Forms 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

Page 1 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

3

4

All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bird I 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bird II (Pair of Birds) 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

Page 2 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

5

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Bubble 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA A Pair of Birds 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

Page 3 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

7

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All prices are subject to 7% GST

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Cow 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SOLD

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Dog 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

Page 4 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

9

10

11

All prices are subject to 7% GST

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Fish 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Mask 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Duck 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

Page 5 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

12

13

14

All prices are subject to 7% GST

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Siamese Cat 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Buffalo 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

SGD $950

PRAGEETH MANOHANSA Snake 2012 Charcoal on paper 60cm x 40cm

Page 6 of 7

GODS OF METAL

By PRAGEETH MANOHANSA

9 November – 29 December 2012

All prices are subject to 7% GST

Page 7 of 7