Several artists from India and Sri lanka will attempt to showcase the turbulent history and culture of their countries through the medium of art in a new show Two countries that have for centuries been connected archaeologically, ethnically, geographically and culturally will now have several artists joining hands for a common cause to build a metaphorical bridge that they hope will submerge the past differences that have plagued the two nations. The show, called the Sethu Samudram Project draws inspiration from the Rama Sethu or the Adam's Bridge (a term coined by the British), a natural limestone bridge-like formation that connects Rameshwaram in India to Mannar in Sri Lanka. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2010/may/auto.jpg" border="5" /> The bridge also finds a mythical mention in the ancient epic Ramayana, when Lord Ram's monkey army built a bridge all the way to Srilanka to save Sita from the clutches of the evil King Ravana. The artists from the two countries hope that like the Rama Sethu Bridge that was reportedly crossable on foot during the 15th century, theyu00a0 will also be able to cross a mental bridge and bring together the two nations and eliminate the differences that have plagued the two over the past two decades. One of the participants and also the coordinator of the Sethu Samudram project, Bangalore-based artist Suresh Jayaram talked about the three year long project and said, "The project is important to me because we need to relink, rewrite and review the turbulent past. With this project, I hope to merge two culturally connected countries." u00a0Srilanka-based Jagath Weerasinghe, another participating artist and a member of the Sri Lankan envoy, spoke emotionally about the Sethu Samudram Project and how his work is affected by the turbulence in his country. u00a0 He said, "My art is defined by the predicament of people who've looked war in the face and have seen bloodshed." His art, according to him, focuses on political discourse, violence, weapons of mass destruction and the idea of nationhood.u00a0 u00a0True to the disturbing theme, the artistes' work in this show prominently feature bright and bold colours that have been used to highlight the plight of those affected by war. Srilankan artist Anura Krishantha uses simple tones of black, white and yellow while Weerasinghe uses harsher colours like black and red to highlight his disappointment with his country's ongoing unrest. He also uses the colour yellow to rebel against Hindu and Buddhist priests who primarily use the colour saffron. u00a0"I question the soldiers, the war heroes and how the notion of motherhood is used to justify war," Weerasinghe added. Whether or not real inroads will made to bridge political conflicts between the two countries, the Sethu Samudram Project definitely intends to bridge one through the medium of art and expression. At 1, Shanthi Road, Shanthinagar On from May 8, 10.30 am to 7.30 pm Call 98802 27706

Several artists from India and Sri lanka will attempt to showcase the turbulent history and culture of their countries through the medium of art in a new show

Let's bridge a gap

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