I was a witness to the
inaugural function of the art exhibition” Machine-Manushya” by the well-known
artist Sri. Baadal Nanjundaswamy. It
took place yesterday (01-09-2013) at Sabrang art gallery,Mysore. The venue was packed
by people.
On this occation, Sri
K.T. Shivaprakash, one of the guests spoke which was more a criticism. According
to him the art work of Baadal is a waste of time and he does not consider the
paintings as art. He says that it’s just a sloganwhich is age old that has lost
its meaning. He doesnot endorse Baadal’s environmentalism saying that there is
no man without machine. The main objection was that Baadal’s paintings are too
descriptive and does not allow the onlooker to derive meaning on his own.
Though I have least
knowledge of art or painting, I beg to differ on Mr. K.T. Shivaprakash’s
opinion. I could gather more untold meaning from the paintings than the painter
himself. I could see more than man-machine relationship. It speaks of the
politics, economy, environmentalism, class-caste formula, stability of man –
fragility of woman, pathetic condition of the farmer, consumerism, so on and so
forth. I feel that Baadal is successful in delivering the message directly to
his target audience, the common man. An art work is also meant to convey social
message, not just remaining as an elite piece of abstract work among the rich.
The paintings are not
age old slogans. They are very much contemporary and relevant. In these days of
consumerism, the gadgets have occupied the space at the nature’s expense. What was
not necessary just a decade ago has become a must in the household. The impact
of industrialisation and consumerism was never so bad on nature, let alone
Buddha’s or Nagarjuna’s days. Baadal is a very sensitive observer. His
paintings are the best documentation of these happenings.
When I visit again, I
may learn more. Perhaps I understand GATT, terminator seeds, and what not! Well
done Baadal!
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