Above and right: Ashan Wimalratne has captured a unique Sri Lankan dance ensemble unlike anyone before him in the Rangana and Udumbara Dance Troupe exhibition. Pictures: Luke Plummer.
By Shaun Inguanzo
A UNIQUE style of photography is the only way to capture a unique Sri Lankan cultural dance.
So that’s what up-and-coming photographer Ashan Wimalratne did for his exhibition of the Rangana and Udumbara Dance Troupe at Dandenong’s Walker Street Gallery.
Mr Wimalratne, 38, captured the vibrant colours, movements and culture of the dance troupe at a rare performance in Moonee Ponds last October.
“I saw an ad for the performance in the paper,” he said.
“So I thought it was a good opportunity for me to take some good shots.
“But I didn’t think they would turn out as good as this because it was really dark (at the performance).”
In fact, Mr Wimalratne was the only photographer not using a flash – and the stunning, colourful results immediately captured the attention of the dance troupe.
“They have never seen anyone photographing their performance like this,” he said.
“I just had my camera on a monopod because I wanted to show the dance movements and costumes.
“I didn’t make the pics black and white because the colour is important to the costumes, and when (the performers dance) they have expressions on their faces that show they take a lot of pride in their work.”
Mr Wimalratne, a third year student at the Photographic Studies College, did not have sponsorship or any materials to hold his own exhibition.
Instead, he took a portfolio to Walker Street Gallery coordinator Cathy Van Ee, who fell in love with the work, and helped him set up an exhibit in the popular Dandenong gallery.
Mr Wimalratne, an Aspendale resident, said he chose Dandenong because it was the hub of Victoria’s Sri Lankan community.
The Rangana and Udumbara Dance Troupe exhibition is showing until 28 February. The gallery is open 11am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays.
To view Mr Wimalratne’s unique photographs, visit the Walker Street Gallery, corner Walker and Robinson Streets, Dandenong.
