In his first site-specific, outdoor installation, Colombo-based artist Firi Rahman drew from the juxtaposition between an urban upbringing and intimate relationship with nature. The resulting work is one that investigates humanity’s relationship to and coexistence with the natural world.

‘In between: the Existence of Firdaus’ has been on view at Lunuganga for the last two months. The two-part piece—featuring both an indoor and outdoor element—engages with the garden and Geoffrey Bawa’s closely-held philosophies around bridging interior and exterior while keeping the relationship between art and ecology at the foreground of his work. Working in tandem with the themes brought forth by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust’s year-long ‘To Lunuganga’ programme, Rahman’s installation is evocative of the artist’s core memories and understanding of the natural world as it adapts to today’s ever-changing landscapes.

On Saturday, 10th February, Rahman will officially launch his installation through a guided afternoon in the garden. In keeping with the personal and reflective conditions which informed the project, the event will allow visitors to glean insight into Rahman’s artistic process through interactive activities and participatory discussion.

The afternoon will begin with an artist-led sketch walk through the garden, ending at the Sandella which currently displays Rahman’s indoor installation, ‘In between: the Existence of Firdaus.’ Participants are required to bring their own sketching materials. Following the walk, Geoffrey Bawa Trust’s Assistant Curator, Aneesha Mustachi will moderate a conversation with the artist at the Field of Jars—the site of the outdoor element of his installation, ‘Perch.’ Refreshments will be served at sunset on the North Terrace. 

‘In between: the Existence of Firdaus’ is open to the public as part of the ‘To Lunuganga’ programme celebrating 75 years of art, architecture, and ecology at Lunuganga. 

Transport
Shuttles will be provided from Colombo at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The cost per shuttle is LKR 1,500 per person (round trip), to be paid to a GBT team member en route. Shuttles will depart from Lunuganga back to Colombo at 7:00 p.m. Please note that shuttle space is limited and available on a first-registered, first-served basis.

Schedule
2:00–4:00 p.m. | Firdaus in process: Sketch-walk with Firi Rahman (Participants to bring their own sketchbooks and pens/pencils)
4:30–5:30 p.m. | Artist talk + tour at Field of Jars
6:00–7:00 p.m. | Sunset refreshments