Godwin Constantine/ Theerta

he/him

Sri Lanka

Performance title: Passage
Photo credit Janananda Laksiri

Godwin Constantine was born in Kandy and did schooling in the Central province and later in North of Sri Lanka when his family was displace due to racial riots. In 1991 he graduated as a medical doctor and later specialized in cardiology. He has studied art from a young age under two artists and at Vibabi Academy of Fine Arts. In 1999 he had his first exhibition where he did his first performance art piece, a milestone work in the 20th century art in Sri Lanka that focused on a political issue. Having a science background he has involved in research on neuronal networks, behavioral learning and identity formation. Godwin initiated the Theertha Performance Platform in 2015 and held annual workshops in Sri Lanka where interdisciplinary discussions were a major part. These workshops were aimed at introducing new art practices in Sri Lanka. The Performance Platform was a public space event with the participation of many international visiting artists. Though Godwin is predominantly a performance artist he also draw, and paint and he has produced several video performance art pieces as well. During the Covid pandemic Godwin has participated in several online performances and discussion on art. These discussion were focused on investigating how the new tech can help further the boundaries and performance art and redefine audience participation in performance art. Having studied sociology, philosophy and literature Godwin’s art practice is connected with varied disciplines including medicine, neurobiology, sociology, poetry and visual art. At present Godwin is serving as the chairman of the Theertha International Artist Collective where he is a founding member.