U of M group to hold photo exhibit of Sri Lanka build

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This article was published 02/11/2011 (5467 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A University of Manitoba contingent that enjoyed an auspicious trip to Sri Lanka this summer will hold a photographic exhibition that will capture its members’ physical and spiritual journey.

A group of faculty of architecture students, two teaching assistants and Prof. Kelley Beaverford travelled to the small village of Meegahayaya in Sri Lanka in May to help build a community centre and Buddhist shrine.

The trip was part of a program called Service Learning in the Global Community — and the students will display approximately 30 images from their month-long visit at an upcoming exhibition at cre8ery gallery in the Exchange District.

The opening reception for Building Perspectives: a Community Centre in Sri Lanka will be on Nov. 4 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. There will be extra viewing hours on Nov. 6 and 8 between noon and 6 p.m.

Beaverford, who is the faculty’s associate professor of interior design, said the show’s exhibits are open to different levels of interpretation.

“At first glance, the photos look like snapshots of village life and construction, but on closer inspection, one sees more of a cross-cultural and global narrative that emerged from their stay,” said Beaverford, who lives in Fort Rouge.

“Situated in Meegahayaya, home to mostly farmers and drivers, the students crossed borders of cultural realities that forged new perspectives on building and friendship. They returned with an enlarged perspective on global citizenship.”

Beaverford said one interesting — and unexpected — aspect of the trip was the Sri Lankan sense of timing known as auspicious moments, which are based on a geographical position.

“The community consulted a learned astrologer to find out what the best time to start various phases of construction,” said Beaverford, noting the students were skeptical at first, because of a tight schedule.

There were auspicious moments for laying the first brick, the first rafter, the placement of the Buddha statue and the centre’s opening, Beaverford said.

“The locals believed that by following these moments the construction would go smoothly and the centre would bring health, wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Ultimately, it made the process more efficient,” she said.

Student Thilini Samarasekera said the trip made her appreciate the challenges of inter-cultural communication.

“It’s extremely frustrating when you’re on a limited time and conversations cannot be understood by the other party,” said Samarasekera, 23, who lives in Fort Richmond.

“You have to pause and slowly create your own language or dialogue to have conversations with people. It was really interesting to watch two very different cultures speaking with hand gestures and facial expressions.”

Student Michael Lucenkiw said the trip enhanced his personal growth.

“I was terrified to get on that plane. That was by far the farthest I’ve ever travelled,” said Lucenkiw, 25, who lives in Southdale.

“But I challenged myself and I now feel much more prepared to take on challenges of this nature in the future.”

The gallery is located at 125 Adelaide St. For more information, visit www.cre8ery.com.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com