Desperation

Art print of the original painting "Desperation" by Barney Rathnayaka

"When someone is truly desperate, they may be willing to believe anything that supports their desired outcome.
In this story, a young Sri Lankan boy and his family are struck by a deadly illness for which there is no known cure.
Despite this, rumours circulate about a God residing in the centre of a swamp infested with crocodiles. According to legend, the deity will grant a single wish to anyone who brings her a lotus dewed with tears of genuine grief.
Desperate to save his family, the young boy steals a parade elephant from a nearby temple and sets off on a perilous journey to deliver the lotus and receive a cure.
However, as he travels through the treacherous swamp, he becomes increasingly delirious, experiencing hallucinations of clouds shaped like his illness and imaginary plants of vibrant colours.
The closer the boy feels he is to the deity, the further his soul fades from existence."

Printed on 120gsm enhanced matte paper