Psychiatry in pictures

Sujith Rathnayake (b. 1971). Picture selection and text by Ravimal Galappaththi

Sujith Rathnayake is an acclaimed artist from southern Sri Lanka. His life was thrown into turmoil by the tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004. He developed a psychotic illness and had flashbacks of his home being submerged by the tsunami waves. This set of untitled paintings reflects his inner conflict, restlessness, anxiety, disillusionment and confusion. He was admitted to a local psychiatric hospital and during his time there he produced many works of art. They were subsequently shown in an exhibition at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in Colombo. Painting and drawing, as well as religious rituals, provide an effective and culturally acceptable way of dealing with the loss of loved ones and material possessions.