Theatre of Serendib Birds, Sanath Herath’s second solo exhibition now showcased at the Barefoot Gallery explores the fascinating world of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds and their deep connections with the ecosystems they inhabit.
Through this collection, Herath offers a glimpse into the complex relationships between species and their environments, presenting each bird as part of a vibrant and interconnected web of life.
The exhibition builds on themes from Herath’s previous works, which have explored ideas such as life cycles in “Metamorphosis Papiliones Ceylonesis” and the ecological challenges of invasive species in “Eclipse of the Native”. Here, the focus expands to include multiple species and their interactions, showcasing ecological concepts such as predator-prey relationships, keystone species, symbiosis, and ecological niches.
Each painting captures an idealised moment, portraying the bird in harmony with its surrounding ecosystem.
The title, Theatre of Serendib Birds, derives from the inherent theatricality observed in the behaviour of birds and the ecosystems they inhabit. Courtship rituals, hunting techniques, and interspecies interactions unfold like scenes in a grand play, echoing the complexities of human relationships. As Shakespeare famously wrote, “All the world’s stage, and all the men and women merely players,” so too does this exhibition draw parallels between the natural world and human society, highlighting mutualism, parasitism, and niches that are as present in humanity as they are in nature.
Herath’s work invites audiences to reflect on their role in this shared stage of life, emphasising the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. Each painting serves as both a celebration of ecological harmony and a call to action to preserve the delicate balance that sustains life.
Theatre of Serendib Birds is a testament to Sanath Herath’s mastery in weaving art and environmental consciousness, offering an immersive experience that is as thought-provoking as it is visually captivating. The exhibition is a vivid reminder of nature’s brilliance and the collective responsibility to protect it for generations to come.
Theatre of Serendib Birds is open to the public until January 25.
