The exhibition brings together the works of painter Bilaal Raji Saheed and ceramicist Senali Nihara Cooray to explore humanity’s shared struggles and aspirations through the enigmatic metaphor “of mountains and men”. In this collaborative dialogue, the artists seek to uncover commonalities amidst multitudes, offering a meditation on the human condition and its unyielding pursuit of meaning.
Mountains, monumental and impartial, stand as silent witnesses to humanity’s trials and tri-umphs. They are rigid, uncompromising, yet fair—they offer the same steep path to all who dare to climb, regardless of race, religion, or class. Men, by contrast, are fluid and multitudinous, shaped by inner narratives and external forces. At the intersection of these opposites lies a space for reflection on the universal nature of struggle, perseverance, and growth.
The two centrepieces of the exhibition consist of a large painting by Bilaal Raji Saheed depicting the grandeur of mountains intertwined with the narratives of men, a visual tapestry capturing the interplay of scale, humility, and the profound lessons the immensity of nature teaches, and a ceramic installation by Senali Nihara Cooray, which echoes the themes of endurance and transformation, also based on depictions of mountains and the throngs that flock to them. Her intricate forms evoke both the organic structures of the earth and the fragility of the human spirit, creating a dynamic interplay between strength and vulnerability.
Complementing these centrepiece works are a curated selection of pieces from the artists’ individual practices, all resonating with the themes of shared journeys, collective aspirations, and the hidden psyche of humanity. While the works do not overtly engage with questions of race, religion, and class, they subtly reflect the deep undercurrents that shape human lives, reminding us of the shared dreams and struggles that connect us all.
Ultimately, Of Mountains and Men is a celebration of resilience and unity. It invites the viewer to reflect on the lessons that mountains teach us about impartiality, patience, and humility, and to recognize the shared humanity that transcends the barriers we construct. This exhibition hopes to be an exploration of the ties that bind us, offering a commentary on the journey of men and the wisdom of mountains.