Gallery Silver Scpaes
Divinity and Rat Race
Divinity and Rat Race
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Artist: SHANAKA KULATHUNGA
Divinity and Rat Race, 2026
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Size: 36 × 48 in (91.44 × 121.92 cm)
Shanaka Kulathunga offers a whimsical yet deeply thought-provoking interpretation of Lord Ganesha in this compelling work, blending mythology, symbolism, and contemporary social commentary into a visually engaging narrative. The reclining deity appears calm, reflective, and almost human in presence, while the playful rats surrounding Him introduce both warmth and layered meaning to the composition. Traditionally regarded as Ganesha’s sacred “vahaans” or vehicles, the rats become symbolic participants within the artwork, transforming the scene into a meditation on desire, ambition, and the restless pace of modern existence.
Through fluid textures, expressive brushwork, and a richly atmospheric palette, Kulathunga redefines the conventional representation of Hindu gods. Rather than presenting divinity through rigid iconography, he creates a living emotional environment where sacred imagery interacts with contemporary human behavior. The composition carries a subtle irony, suggesting the endless “rat race” that people engage in while seeking success, recognition, prosperity, and divine approval. The playful movement of the rats contrasts beautifully with the serenity of Ganesha, emphasizing the tension between spiritual stillness and worldly pursuit.
Kulathunga’s painterly language combines abstraction and figurative storytelling with remarkable sensitivity. His use of layered textures and luminous tones creates depth, movement, and psychological resonance throughout the work. The deity retains spiritual dignity while simultaneously becoming part of a broader reflection on society and human aspiration. By intertwining mythology with modern metaphor, Shanaka Kulathunga transforms a traditional religious subject into a contemporary visual narrative filled with humor, humanity, and introspection. The artwork ultimately celebrates the enduring relevance of cultural symbolism while encouraging viewers to reflect on the values and ambitions that shape everyday life.
Why Choose Us
Art has always, naturally, reflected the development and exploration of different thoughts and perceptions, and our current postmodern era is no different. It is interesting to see how art has evolved visually, yet the traditional methods of composing art remain a valid means of expression.
All it takes for an artist to rise above normalcy, is inspiration, which fuels his passion to paint beautiful creations throughout his life.
The valuable expression of art is always there with us, but now this expression is yet to take an interesting diversion with our art gallery, Gallery Silver Scapes, located in Hauz Khas Enclave. Art is no longer considered just decorative but has evolved and come forth as a major form of investment yielding high rates of returns for its buyers, making it an expression commonly used.
Mrs Mayor was walked into the art world by the legendary modernist Bimal Das Gupta, one of whose biggest collections remains with Gallery Silver Scapes. In the 1980s, as head and first curator of the Habiart Gallery founded by Mrs Rekha Modi — a childhood friend — Mrs Mayor worked closely with and curated shows for renowned artists such as A Ramachandran, GR Santosh, Rameshwar Broota, Sakti Burman, MK Bardhan, Dhiraj Chaudhury, M Sivanesan, and Arup Das among others.
Besides modern masters, she also worked with young contemporaries such as Sudip Roy, Paresh Maity, Subroto Kundu, Vinod Sharma, and many more. Artworks commissioned by her are now part of prestigious collections, such as those of the India Habitat Centre, Ranbaxy, Pepsi, Hotel Lalit, Bank of America, and many more private and public collections.