"Focusing on what politicians DON'T say...." Gihan de Chickera, Artist & Cartoonist

Sri Lanka's artistic community gathered for an Inspiring three-day event in Bentota.

The picturesque coastal town of Bentota recently played host to an enriching three-day extravaganza that brought together Sri Lanka's artistic fraternity. From October 13th to the 15th, the "Art Experiential Festival" and the launch of ARTRA Magazine's "Caricatures & Comics" edition captivated attendees at two iconic venues, "Brief" and the Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel.

With a lineup of distinguished speakers and a range of engaging activities, the event provided a unique platform for the celebration of art, culture, and intellectual exchange.

Cartoonist Gihan de Chickera highlighted the significance of moving beyond daily politics and focusing on issues that often go unaddressed by politicians. De Chickera emphasized the importance of not only considering what politicians say but also what they do not say, as this can be equally, if not more, important.

The first day of the event commenced with an "Art Tour" led by Juliet Coombe and Azara Jaleel, allowing attendees to explore the works of the Bawa brothers and other talented artists. The following day began with an "art and garden tour" led by Juliet Coombe, followed by captivating "art talks" by Cresside Collette, Rohan de Soysa, and Herman Gunaratne.

The second day also featured an engaging "art talk and teatime" with Dooland de Silva and Azara Jaleel. The highlight of the event was the launch of the "Comics & Caricatures" edition, showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Aubrey Collette, Bevis Bawa, and Gihan de Chickera. The edition was introduced by speakers Azara Jaleel, Dooland de Silva, Cresside Collette, Rohan de Soysa, and Chevaan Daniel.

The final day of the event featured a tour of the iconic Bawa hotel by Ismeth Raheem and Azara Jaleel, an art exhibit featuring the works of Mathiskumar, Catharina Daniel, and Malki Jayakody, and discussions on "political cartoons and critique in the contemporary" by Gihan de Chickera and Chevaan Daniel with Azara Jaleel.

C. Anjalendran also engaged the audience with an "Art Talk" on Barbara Sansoni and Ena de Silva. The event concluded on a serene note with "Art Healing" led by Rachel Chanmugam and a compelling "Art Talk" by Priscilla Caren and Rachel Chanmugam.

The weekend's events were skillfully organized by ARTRA Magazine, and News 1st served as the Media Partner, ensuring that the creative spirit and intellectual discourse of this 3-day event reached a wide audience.

The "Art Experiential Festival" in Bentota not only celebrated the diverse talents of Sri Lanka's artistic community but also served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and the exploration of important, often overlooked, issues. It was a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster intellectual growth.