• 2.07.2025 - 14:34

A striking monochrome photo exhibition titled “Islands’ Rhythms: Sardinia & Sri Lanka”, featuring the evocative work of acclaimed Italian photographer Dario Coletti, recently made a powerful impression in Türkiye through back-to-back exhibitions in Ankara and Istanbul. The initiative was jointly organized by the Embassies of Italy and Sri Lanka in Ankara, with the support of the Çankaya Municipality, the Consulate General of Italy, and the Honorary Consulates of Sri Lanka in Istanbul, Nevşehir and Izmir.

“Islands’ Rhythms” is a visual and sonic journey—exploring the cultural and environmental parallels between Sri Lanka and Sardinia. Through intimate portraits, ritual scenes, and sweeping landscapes, Dario Coletti brings together two geographically distant yet culturally resonant islands, the exhibition explores common themes of identity, resilience, tradition, and transformation. To enrich this sensory journey, the exhibition was complemented by traditional and contemporary music from both Sardinia and Sri Lanka—an aural bridge between two distinct yet harmonious cultures.

Through 40 monochrome photographs, Coletti juxtaposes the visual and emotional landscapes of Sri Lanka and Sardinia, illuminating shared legacies and the spiritual rhythm that binds insular communities across continents.

The collaboration stemmed from a long-standing friendship between Ambassador of Sri Lankan in Türkiye, Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake, and photographer, Dario Coletti, dating back to her tenure in Italy from 2005 to 2008.

In 1992, Coletti had travelled to Sri Lanka to document the first Italian Buddhist pilgrimage—a jo0urney that deeply impacted his life and artistic direction. “It was a moment of rebirth,” Coletti explained, describing his Sri Lankan experience as a transformation that led him to abandon commercial photography in favor of work that provoked change—both personal and collective.

Coletti’s subsequent photographic exploration of Sardinia echoed this rebirth. “I left behind verbs like ‘understand’ and ‘explain,’ and embraced ‘perceive’ and ‘suggest,’” he said, capturing Sardinia’s unique energy through philosophical and emotional inquiry.

In both cities, the exhibitions were elevated with traditional and contemporary music from Sri Lanka and Sardinia, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Italian Ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi praised the initiative as “a beautiful example of cultural diplomacy,” emphasizing the shared values and aesthetic sensibilities of the two island nations. “This is more than an exhibition—it is a call to reflect on sustainable living, rooted heritage, and timeless human connection,” he stated.

Martina Pavone, President of Circolo Roma, offered a poetic tribute during the Istanbul event: “We celebrate photography as a philosophical bridge between space and time... two islands dancing in the same imaginary sea.” She emphasized the importance of civil society’s role in cultural exchange and vision-building, urging continued collaboration and shared storytelling.

 

In Istanbul, the opening was enriched by a vibrant fashion vignette featuring Sri Lankan designer Dhamique Amarasekara, who showcased fusion wear crafted from Sri Lankan handloom fabric, dumbara weaving, pillow lace (beeralu), batik, combined with Turkish traditional designs and trimmings.

Guests in Ankara were treated to Sri Lankan delicacies, while in Istanbul they additionally had Italian cuisine-offering a sensory celebration of both cultures.

For Ambassador Dissanayake, who will complete her diplomatic posting in Türkiye on July 6th , these exhibitions served as both a cultural celebration and a personal farewell. “Your warmth and support have made my time in Türkiye truly memorable,” she noted in her address, thanking colleagues, officials, and friends.

On a personal note, Ambassador mentioned that she holds a deep affection for Sardinia, a place she had visited during her tenure in Italy. She further elaborated that she was fortunate to witness the traditional festival in Oristano, “Sartiglia,” an experience she holds close to her heart. Sardinia, to her, represents a serene and timeless harmony where tradition and modern life blend seamlessly.

The “Islands’ Rhythms” exhibitions not only forged a meaningful artistic and cultural bridge between Sri Lanka and Sardinia but also symbolized the potential of diplomacy through creativity. As guests “listened with their eyes,” as Coletti described, they were invited into a world where two distant islands converged through art, memory, and the enduring rhythms of life.