Isolation and reflection, a young artist’s journey to self-discovery

“Mandala in the Eye” by the artist

“Halloween eyes,” a self-photo-painting by Sandali Subhagya

By Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

Art plays a crucial role in enhancing social well-being and contributing to the broader humanity of the world in several ways. It provides a medium for individuals to express complex emotions and perspectives that may be challenging to communicate through words alone. Art also serves as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, allowing people to connect on a deep, emotional level. Exposure to diverse forms of art allows one to step into the shoes of others, fostering empathy and understanding. Art has the power to bridge gaps between different communities, cultures, and experiences, promoting a sense of unity and shared humanity.

Art also challenges viewers to think critically and engage with different ideas and concepts. It stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages individuals to question the status quo, fostering a society that values creativity, innovation, and open-mindedness.

Many artists use their work as a platform to address social issues, advocate for justice, and bring about positive change, depicting the power of art to raise awareness about pressing societal concerns, inspire collective action and influence public opinion. The cultivation of artistic skills encourages creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking needed for addressing complex societal challenges and driving progress in various fields.

The silent language of art

In a world saturated with noise, where chaos often drowns the subtleties of human emotion, Sandali Subhagya emerges as a young voice that speaks in the silent language of art. At first glance, she may seem elusive, choosing the realm of silence as her canvas to articulate the intricate nuances of her soul. As a teenage artist of pen and ink sketching on white paper, she is a harbinger of love, compassion, and universal kindness through her poignant artworks. In her monochromatic world of black and white, Sandali weaves a tapestry of emotions and reflections, drawing inspiration from the profound teachings of Buddhism and the rich tapestry of beliefs in Indian cultures. Her art is not merely a visual feast; it is a journey into the depths of her understanding of humanity, expressed with abstract modernity and sometimes with vibrant splashes of colour that mirror the diversity of existence.

Sandali›s creative endeavours beckon art lovers to pause and immerse themselves in the profound messages embedded within each stroke of her artistic tools.

 “One should come out of the box to express oneself, to expand and widen the understandings of the agony the whole of humanity faces today. Only then would you feel others in you. This would ignite a serene flame of universal kindness, love, and affection towards humanity around you,” her belief resonates in her own words.

Encourage viewers to delve beyond the surface

While some of her themes may manifest with a whimsical, cartoonish charm, the underlying narratives are profound, encouraging viewers to delve beyond the surface. Sandali advocates for the path of isolation as a means of self-purification, a journey back to oneself. Through her art, she implores individuals not to crumble under distress but to find strength within, understanding the deeper reasons to stand up again and again.

Beyond her expressive works of art, Sandali has also served as a freelance amateur travel photographer, in the international travel and tour magazine, ‘Sri Lanka the Treasure Island,’ capturing her travel experiences around Sri Lanka for some time.  With such experience, at present she has also extended her artistic endeavours into the realm of self-photography, a quest to explore myriad possibilities for self-expression. For Sandali, her pieces of expression are a call for isolation, a journey within the soul that serves as nourishment for profound contemplation.

Catalyst for dialogue

As she prepares to unveil her collection on a new media platform, Sandali eagerly anticipates engaging with fellow art lovers in fruitful discussions on leading a worthy life. Her art is not merely an exhibition of skill but a catalyst for dialogue, a catalyst for making the world a more harmonious place to live in. Sandali Subhagya, with her silent eloquence, invites to walk along one’s own path of isolation, to understand the true essence of being, and contemplate the beauty of life on earth.