The Essence of Sri Lanka through Mobile Photography and Songwriting

The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” is a phrase that we can apply to many people. Even ourselves. But Danushka Kumaratunga is a different case. A graphic designer, photographer, lyricist and creative director, he’s truly a master of many skills. And recently he’s created a work of art in the form a photo journal titled Essence, with photos taken from a mobile phone instead of a professional camera. And we being curious, decided to have a chat with the man about this new piece of work.

1. How would you describe yourself?

Someone who sees life through art and goes a little slower as a simple yet careful thinker.

Someone who takes the time to appreciate the artistry that is found within his own daily life.

2. What do you mean by the term art?

I think art encompasses the vast ocean of humanity’s creativity. While art can primarily be about aesthetics, it is also about a person’s skill or talent.

3. How have you expanded into so many creative fields?

I’ve composed lyrics for many diverse types of music, and I’m talented at directing music videos; that’s where my music background comes from. I’ve also worked with several brands as a graphic designer. In addition, I’m a freelance journalist and photographer for various newspapers and media outlets.

4. Tell us about your experience in compiling and publishing this book?

I was first interested in mobile phone photography and doing various experiments with it. And with the recent lockdown situation in the country, I felt that it was the perfect opportunity to do it.

The village I selected as the location was pretty difficult to reach.  But it allowed me to study a very unique way of life up close and personal. It was also quite scary since it was in the middle of a jungle where there were wild elephants. With all these elements combined, it was a magnificent experience.

5. What did you seek to capture through Essence?

Essence represents freedom, the visualisation of socio cultural values, and amazing rustic sceneries that we have lost. It also showcases the experiences and behaviours of a community that lives so close to nature. This is something we don’t witness in urban areas. I chose the mobile phone to capture all those moments. Mobile photography can create something different. Moreover, I edited all those photos using software available on the mobile phone. Essence also has a different design; its page layouts are in a Western magazine format. Essence can be described as a creation that can give visual inspiration to the viewer.

6. Can you tell us about one part of the book that really resonated with you? Why this part?

The part I wrote about Chena is very special to me. We had to spend the night in a small wooden hut on a tree, and the beauty of the morning sunrise made me feel so alive. It was a rare experience.

7. As a professional photographer, what was different about using a mobile camera?

There are technical differences between professional cameras and mobile phone cameras. Even with a high-tech device, we get the result according to the way we operate and handle it. So even with a high-tech camera, you’ll not be able to take the pictures you need unless you know how to handle it. With the use of a mobile phone camera, it is easy to capture natural feelings and natural behaviours of people. Also, the knowledge I had gained as a professional photographer made it easy for me to take a creative photo by using the correct light.

8. So how does this project align with your abilities as a songwriter?

There is art in everything we do. We must first think about how to properly disseminate creative thinking and visualisation in the medium we choose. The written language of the book stems from songwriting, and the visualisation is done through photography. I think this project will enable me to translate my visual works into works that incorporate words.

9. What difficulties did you face during this project? How did you overcome them?

It was difficult to capture sensitive human behaviour in a way that would not harm or disturb the people of the village. During the first few days, I had to stay with them and adapt to their customs. Following that, those people wanted to share their experiences with us. That was the reason I used mobile phones. Luckily, I didn’t face any attacks from wild animals there either.

10. What are your future plans?

With the experience I have gained through this work, I wish to do more books that will be launched as a series. Hopefully it will come in the form of moving art as well.

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