Interview: Prasad Aluthwattha
Luca Curci talks with Prasad Aluthwattha during CONSCIOUSNESS, second appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Prasad is a Sri Lankan indie filmmaker, creative director, and visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in his rural upbringing, enriched by native culture and Buddhist heritage. His practice spans across cinema, photography, and alternative visual art, exploring experimental narratives and innovative production methods. With a foundation in art history and visual culture, Prasad has made pioneering contributions to surreal photo manipulations and alternative film language in Sri Lanka. Through his production company, Vihayas, he has created impactful films and music videos, winning national awards for his direction, cinematography, and editing. Currently, as a lead artist at SpaceEka Artists’ Residency, he continues to develop a new art practice that bridges research and social impact, pushing boundaries in contemporary visual storytelling. He is in the process of post-production for his first feature-length film, Asmimanaya (Mine-Mine-Mine), a culmination of his exploration and research into alternative filmmaking.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Prasad Aluthwattha – Art is my third eye into a profound understanding of life, offering a clarity that often eludes me in reality. It grants me the freedom to make decisions, pose questions, and craft an ideal world. Every artwork becomes a tool for analysis, uncovering the layers of real-world situations. As I embark on each project, my mind grapples with confusion, seeking answers. Yet, with every step toward completion, my art becomes a guiding light, leading me to comprehension and healing. I believe this journey is a shared experience among all artists – a personal victory born in the creation process. While every piece of art eventually belongs to the world, its genesis is an intensely personal triumph for the artist. Therefore, your perspective on my work is a valued part of this artistic dialogue.

LC – What are you currently working on?
PA – Currently, I’m in the post-production phase of my first feature-length film, “Asmimanaya (Mine-Mine-Mine)”. This project is the culmination of my exploration and research into alternative filmmaking and production methods since 2016. Written in collaboration with Jayampathi Guruge and directed by me, the film’s creative processes reflect my extensive research and experimentation. In this film, I explore the idea that the entire human community should adopt new philosophical and scientific methods to reconsider reality, existence, and individuality. The theme, concept, and structure of the film are deeply tied to Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concepts of “existence, the world, and I.”  In addition to my work on the film, I am a lead artist and facilitator at the “SpaceEka Artists’ Residency” in Sri Lanka, where we develop alternative art practices that better serve our society. This residency allows me to use my decade-long experience as a multi-disciplinary artist to create an innovative space for the practice and study of film and visual culture. Additionally, I am a lecturer in the Department of Drama, Cinema, and Television at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, where I share my passion and knowledge with students.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
PA – My background is deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of rural Sri Lanka, where I spent my formative years in a mountain village. These early experiences have profoundly influenced my work. I succinctly define art as a reproduction of what the senses perceive through the veil of the soul. Childhood experiences, being the foundational blocks of our early reality, create a fertile ground from which our soul’s expression emerges later in life. During my toddler to preteen years, I was fortunate to experience a wondrous amalgamation of intangible native culture, various religious phenomena, and daily life enriched with authenticity and humility. This unique environment instilled in me a sensitivity that has carried into my adulthood. Flying kites in the middle of paddy fields, crafting lanterns during Buddhist festivals, reading beneath the shelter of trees, listening to mystical fairy tales and folk tales from elders, and experiencing the ancient Buddhist frescoes and sculptures of the village temple—all these experiences enriched my imagination and sparked my interest in the arts. These early influences have shaped my artistic perspective and continue to inspire my work.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
PA – In the future, I intend to tackle the profound issue of the gap between “what is perceived and what exists.” This disparity needs to be understood both philosophically and scientifically. We are all experiencing fatigue and frustration from a “reality” that is not logical or intellectual but rather accepted by collective agreement. This distorted reality affects not only humans but the entire world, including plants and animals. The current global crisis highlights the urgent need to re-examine our accepted reality and the nature that has aligned with it for millions of years. We must uncover the flaws and contradictions in our worldview. Without such a philosophical transformation, humanity and the existence of life on this planet will soon face a significant crisis. Understanding the nature of existence requires changing the perspective from which we view ourselves and the world. Many of the crises and painful situations we face are caused by the friction created by changes in the nature of existence, rather than by the status we perceive to exist. This applies to personal relationships as well as to our interactions with the physical world. Through my art practice, I will continually explore and discuss these concepts. Despite the challenges of living in an environment where meeting basic needs is a struggle, my art will invite society to explore oneself, the world, and the reality associated with it through a new way of thinking. This exploration is crucial for addressing the crises we face and for fostering a deeper understanding of existence.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
PA – As an artist in an economically declining island nation like Sri Lanka, I face significant challenges. The art industry was one of the first to suffer during the downturn, leaving our entire community struggling. Many of us, including myself, grew up dreaming of becoming filmmakers and artists, but we are now exhausted from the relentless effort it takes to create in such conditions. My current project, which might seem unrealizable to some, is to successfully complete my film which is now in post-production. This project is not just about finishing a film; it represents my strong desire to create art despite the odds. Furthermore, I plan to hold a visual art exhibition on the same theme as the film, featuring multiple media such as digital art, multimedia art, video installations, paintings, and sculptures. My ambitious wish is to showcase this exhibition in art galleries outside of Sri Lanka. This goal might seem crazy given our current circumstances, but it is my main wish. Achieving this would not only be a personal triumph but also a testament to the resilience and creativity of artists in challenging environments.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
PA – The concept of the ANIMA MUNDI 2024 (CONSCIOUSNESS) exhibition deeply resonates with me, as it aligns perfectly with the themes I have been exploring in my work for the past several years. Over the last decade, my artworks have delved into the philosophical ideas and theories of Buddhism, focusing on concepts such as the self and existence, mind and consciousness, and the relationship between the world and the individual. The video art I presented in this exhibition is also based on the concept of the film I am currently working on. I believe that many of the crises we face globally stem from a lack of proper self-understanding. This is why the theme of this exhibition is so timely and impactful. It offers artists from various backgrounds around the world an opportunity to explore and share their interpretations of “consciousness” through art. The exhibition is a collection of works from artists influenced by different cultures, philosophies, and knowledge systems, creating a rich and diverse dialogue. This theme and concept greatly inspired me to participate in the exhibition. It encouraged me to delve deeper into my own exploration of consciousness and to connect with a global community of artists who are also seeking to understand and express these profound ideas. The exhibition provided a platform to share my perspective and to be inspired by others.

LC – Your last artistic production attracted us, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
PA – Indeed, the conceptual foundation of numerous works I’ve created over the years closely aligns with the theme of this exhibition. The video art I presented is based on the concept of an experimental feature film that I have been creating since 2018. This movie’s theme is also very close to the exhibition’s theme. I made a newly edited version of video art for submission to the exhibition, based on the original film concept.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
PA – Absolutely! “ITSLIQUID GROUP” represents a significant opportunity for artists. As the organiser of this international exhibition, “ITSLIQUID GROUP” provided me with a valuable platform to showcase my work globally, attracting artists and art lovers worldwide. For artists like me, this is a chance to gain international exposure and connect with a diverse audience. The opportunity to present my work in such a prestigious setting has been incredibly beneficial for my artistic career.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
PA – Absolutely! Working with you was a breeze. You were always supportive and provided the curatorial guidance I needed. The information you provided was clear and well-organized, making the process smooth and efficient. Additionally, you offered exciting new opportunities and special submission offers, which were greatly appreciated. I’m genuinely happy and look forward to continuing our collaboration.