Essence (book)
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
| Author | Danushka Kumarathunga |
|---|---|
| Original title | Essence Book Cover |
| Language | English |
Publication date | 2022 |
| Publication place | Sri Lanka |
| Media type | Print / Digital |
Essence is a 2022 Sri Lankan book by Danushka Kumarathunga,[1] notable for its unique approach to visual design and layout. Blending elements of art, design, and visual research, the book adopts a Western magazine-style format, setting it apart from conventional publications[2] in Sri Lanka.
Essence[3] is widely regarded as a work that offers strong visual inspiration, appealing to both artistic and academic audiences. As a research-based creation, it garnered significant attention among Sri Lankan readers for its innovative presentation and thematic depth.
Background and Development
[edit]Essence emerged from a research trip[4] undertaken by Danushka Kumarathunga to the remote village of Udagaladebokka. Guided and encouraged by academics from the University of Peradeniya, the project was conceived as both a [[Visual documentation visual documentation and a socio-cultural study. The book serves as a heartfelt tribute to the people of the village, their agricultural lifestyle,[5] and the untouched beauty of their surroundings. Its development was rooted in a desire to reinterpret how mobile technology can be used creatively in print media.
Design and Format
[edit]The book departs from conventional formats by adopting a Western magazine layout[6][full citation needed]. All images were captured using a hand-held smartphone camera under natural light conditions. Post-production and editing were also performed using mobile apps such as Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile. The layout merges documentary photography with elements of visual storytelling and design principles, showcasing the raw and emotional textures of rural life in Sri Lanka.
Reception
[edit]Upon its release, Essence received attention for its originality and aesthetic presentation. It stood out among Sri Lankan design publications for its minimal reliance on professional equipment and its emphasis on preserving natural authenticity. The book resonated with readers interested in photography, design, and anthropology, and has been used as an educational reference in visual communication and ethnographic documentation.[citation needed]
Author Biography
[edit]Danushka Kumarathunga[7][full citation needed] is a Sri Lankan artist,[8] educator, and filmmaker[9] with a multidisciplinary background in visual arts and communication. His work often focuses on the intersection of culture, technology, and social observation. With Essence, Kumarathunga combined his passion for visual storytelling with academic research and design experimentation.
Themes and Content Overview
[edit]The central theme of Essence revolves around “seeing the unseen”—observing moments and lives that are often overlooked. The book captures the everyday realities of rural villagers: farming routines, traditional lifestyles, community resilience, and their relationship with nature. Through minimalist yet immersive photography, Essence highlights themes such as simplicity, endurance, authenticity, and the silent poetry of daily life.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ "I am still searching for myself". www.deshaya.lk. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
- ^ "Danushka launches 'Essence'". www.dailynews.lk/. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ "Danushka Kumarathunga On Essence and Smart-Mobile Photography". www.hi.lk. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- ^ "Danushka launches 'Essence' - English News Paper". www.dailynews.lk. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ "Danushka Kumaratunga: Essence of mobile photography". www.dailymirror.lk. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ "The Essence of Sri Lanka through Mobile Photography and Songwriting". 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Creative Imagination Let Loose". www.ceylontoday.lk.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "ජංගම ඡායාරූපකරණය සහ ගීත රචනය තුළින් ශ්රී ලංකාවේ සුන්දරත්වය-ධනුෂ්ක කුමාරතුංග". www.gasma.lk. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "අපෙන් හැංගුන සුන්දර ගම්මාන වල දර්ශණ එකතුවක් පොතක් ලෙස එළිදකී". www.saaravita.lk. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories. (June 2025) |