As the year 2024 is almost over, it’s a fitting time to reflect on artists who have produced some compelling artworks. One such artist is VP. Vasuhan, whose work bridges personal history, cultural identity, and collective memory. Born in 1977 in the village of Alaveddy in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Vasuhan grew up in an environment rich with traditional arts and customs. These early experiences formed the foundation for his artistic journey, blending rural traditions with contemporary practices.
Inspired by his grandfather’s life as a farmer, Vasuhan’s childhood memories of working with plant-based colorings and engaging in folk arts like kolam and religious painting remain central to his artistic narrative. A pivotal moment came in 2016 with Tha-Varam (Plants), a nature-themed exhibition in Japan. Later, his exposure to ancient sculptures in Tokyo fueled his exploration of Sri Lankan-inspired masks and earthy color palettes. His recent works, including Vill-Age and the painting performance “Vill-Age” in Paris, continue to draw deeply from these roots, echoing themes of community, memory, and shared heritage.
We Are Family: Exploring the Core of Humanity
At its heart, Vasuhan’s We Are Family exhibition celebrates the universal connection of human life through the theme of family. His art speaks to the essence of humanity—our shared bonds, struggles, and aspirations. Vasuhan sees painting as a medium to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, offering a way to express emotions and stories that words cannot fully convey.
In this series, the artist uses natural materials—clay, stone, wood, seashells, and pigments—collected during his travels. These elements, tied to earthy tones, ground the works in a shared human experience. The pieces explore relationships, from familial ties to friendships and dialogues, portraying them as vital threads of human existence.
The highlight of the exhibition is Kattumaram (Catamaran), a large-scale installation that pays homage to the ingenuity of Vasuhan’s ancestors. The catamaran, an invention tied to southern India and Sri Lanka, symbolizes human resilience and creativity. Constructed from tied wood, this vessel was a tool for navigation and survival, becoming a metaphor for the collective journey of humanity. The installation is particularly poignant in its setting on Guadalupe Island, connecting the Caribbean’s colonial past to the present-day diaspora.
Through Kattumaram, Vasuhan recounts the hidden stories of his forebears—stories of survival, migration, and cultural exchange. The work invites viewers to reflect on their own histories and to consider the invisible threads that bind us together as one human family.
Catamaran – 404 Paper Boat: Memory and Exile
Another powerful piece in the exhibition is Catamaran – 404 Paper Boat. This installation explores themes of navigation, exile, and hidden histories. Inspired by the Tamil term for catamaran (from Kattu meaning knot and maram meaning wood), the piece traces the craft’s origins and its use in migration. The Caribbean’s connection to South Indian and West African histories adds layers of meaning to the installation, tying it to the lived experiences of displacement and diaspora.
The 404 paper boats in this installation carry a dual symbolism. Made from photocopied pages of books like “Lanka Rani”, the boats reflect a collision of cultural memory and contemporary digital metaphors. The “404 Page Not Found” message becomes a poignant reminder of erased or hidden truths. By using origami techniques, Vasuhan invites viewers to revisit childhood memories while grappling with the weight of history.
This work not only commemorates the resilience of displaced peoples but also serves as a call to uncover forgotten stories and embrace shared heritage. For the Caribbean audience, the installation offers a chance to connect with ancestral roots and confront painful chapters of the past.
A Message Through Art
Vasuhan’s art is deeply personal yet universally resonant. He sees art as medicine, a way to process hidden and nostalgic stories. Through exhibitions like We Are Family, he encourages dialogue and emotional sharing, hoping to bring people closer.
The artist believes that despite differences in language, culture, or appearance, humanity is fundamentally united. This philosophy is evident in his use of natural materials, earthy colors, and themes that speak to shared human experiences.
As 2024 draws to a close, Vasuhan’s work reminds us of the power of art to connect, heal, and inspire. His message is simple yet profound: we are all part of one family, bound by the shared journey of life.
For more visuals on the exhibition “we are a family” visit – www.vasuhan.com/sainte-anne-2024.
