Soul of a City, a photography exhibition and sale showcasing a selection of black and white photographs taken during the COVID pandemic in the city of Kandy by photographer Nadija Weeraratne, was successfully concluded at the Lionel Wendt, Colombo 7 recently. The event was graced by Her Worship Rosy Senanayake, Mayor of Colombo, and many other dignitaries from the diplomatic community in Colombo, as well as the general public.
When we inquired from the photographer what inspired him to display these photographs at the exhibition, Weeraratne said, “The Soul of a City is its people. Without people, a city is not alive. Although we may sometimes wish we had the city to ourselves, we can’t. The only reason cities exist at all is because of the collective efforts of everyone.”
The exhibition displayed some images of the main streets of Kandy and its surroundings during the heart of the pandemic in a manner that you have never seen Kandy before. The actual value of most of these photographs will be in 10 years when the world would have forgotten about the pandemic and the scenic beauty of our cities without its inhabitants.
“Landmarks aren’t landmarks without the visitors. Art isn’t art without artists. And a city is not a city without its people. Deep down, as much as we dislike queues and crowds, tickets and waiting times, this difficult time reminds us why so many travelers descend on these special places every year.” Weeraratne further stated.
His unique collection of photographs are now displayed at the MODIGLIANI Gallery at Stratford Place, Colombo 6.