Tusker Eye

Context

Tusker Eye was developed as part of the MA Public Art and Performative Practices course. The project was inspired by The Line London’s Dedicated Public Art Walk Line Map and an archival image of elephants from Chipperfield Circus found in the Museum of London Docklands Archives. It investigates the historical and cultural legacies of colonialism and the trade relationships between Sri Lanka and the UK during the 17th and 18th centuries.

https://the-line.org/map/

www.londonmuseum.org.uk/port-river-archive

Methodology

The project employed an interdisciplinary approach combining performative drawing, dance, and historical research. It involved recontextualizing archival materials and reconstructing cultural narratives through collaborative artistic practices. The choreography was developed through improvisation and incorporated traditional and contemporary dance techniques, with symbolic elements such as slings and chains.

Objectives

Historical Exploration:

To examine the colonial legacies and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and the UK, particularly through the lens of trade and performance.

Artistic Engagement

To create a performative and visual dialogue that bridges traditional Sri Lankan dance with contemporary public art practices.

Collaborative Research

To foster cross cultural collaboration between artists and institutions in Sri Lanka and the UK.

Public Interaction

To engage international audiences through site-specific performances and exhibitions that provoke reflection on history, identity, and movement.

Project

Dr Jacek Ludwig Scarso, course leader and Reader in MA Public Art and

Performance,

Helen Whittle, Museum Archivist and Records Manager, Museum of London, Iona Ball Host Museum of London Docklands, Steve Lowe, Technical, Demonstrator Theater Arts TMG-65A London Metropolitan University, Naomi Groves Meda and AV Technical Demonstrator, AAD London Metropolitan University Lanka De Silva, Head of the Department, Department of Fine Arts, University Of Kelaniya, SL, Head of Media Sri Dhalada Maligawa – Subash Liyanage.

THE LINE – director Megan Piper

Dance Film

Direction & Choreography: Dhanushka Seneviratne (UK), Videography & Photography: Sisira Madhumage (UK), Music Composition: K.M. Sachin Rukshan Konara (SL) ,Drumming, Singing, Props: A.V. Jayasanka (SL), Sri Lanka Video Recording: Chanaka Maduranga (SL), Dancers: M.D.P. Nishani, Kaushalya Ranashingha(SL), Students: Jayami Nimandi Yapa, Yashodara Lalangi Malagammana, Sathya Shyamali Maneke

Archival Integration

Use of archival footage from AP Archive, British Movietone, and the official YouTube channel of Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Outputs

Screen Dance Film:

Filmed live at London Docks and exhibited at the MA Public Art exhibition at London Metropolitan University.

Choreographic Development:

Movement phrases created through improvisation and collage methods, blending traditional and contemporary dance.

Exhibition Participation:

Presented at London Metropolitan University as part of the MA Public Art showcase