New film captures Laki’s perpetual sense of wonder
Dr. Martin Pieris’s documentary, “The Trouble with Laki,” masterfully unravels the extraordinary life of a man whose legacy goes beyond his sculptures and paintings. Directed with finesse, the film captures the essence of Laki Senanayake – artist, sculptor and gardener, whose canvas extended far beyond the conventional boundaries of his craft.
Martin got to know Laki in 2005, while he interviewed him for the book, ‘The Sri Lankans, A Portrait of A Developing Nation’ (2007). Having migrated to Australia in 1971, Martin has since the 1990s made an exceptional effort to keep returning to the island not only to reacquaint himself with his homeland but also to contribute to it from an artistic and scholarly perspective.
The narrative unfolds with stories by Laki on what led to his many artistic achievements delving into the core of what made him truly exceptional—his human qualities. Martin achieves this feat by using Laki’s own words, and also capturing insightful interviews with those who were close to him – Ismeth Raheem, Jomo Uduman and this writer. The documentary has also been produced with the consultation of Dominic Sansoni, one of Laki’s longtime friends and art dealer and Malaka Thalwatta, who is a collector.
The journey into Laki’s world begins with his own words on what led to his incredible artistic journey. What initially seems like a short story dives into detail on what is dear to Laki including his creation Diyabubula, the oasis he meticulously crafted. And chance encounters which led to great artistic collaborations with Ena de Silva and Geoffrey Bawa, vividly portray the enchantment of this haven, where wonder, laughter and enduring friendships abounded.
Central to the narrative is Laki’s remarkable ability to welcome strangers with the warmth reserved for long-lost friends. The film captures moments in Diyabubula where Laki’s eyes sparkle with delight, reflecting the man who
retained the magic of seeing beauty in everything around him.
The documentary beautifully illustrates Laki’s gift of instilling a desire for discovery and an appreciation for the wonders of life. His perpetual sense of wonder, evident until his last days, becomes a poignant reminder to embrace the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The heart of the documentary lies in Laki’s effortless investment in the arts and the impact he had on others. His kindness flows naturally in the tone and substance of the documentary, that portrays how he used his talent and understanding to enhance the lives of those around him. In his eyes, everyone had an equal chance to create, enjoy and pursue happiness.
As the documentary concludes, with an impromptu performance of Laki playing the flute, it is a tapestry of wonder, kindness, and an unwavering pursuit of happiness that continues to weave through the lives he touched. “The Trouble with Laki” is not just a visual exploration of his art; it is a heartfelt tribute to a life lived with insatiable curiosity, a mischievous twinkle in the eye, and a heart generously sharing the beauty of existence with all who crossed his path.