Art Buzz (Bangalore) Subroto Mondal

Is this art?

(Nalini S Malaviya)

Much has been written about the magic boxes that have been installed enroute to the new airport. These underpasses have failed miserably in decongesting traffic, especially at peak hours. Yes, I know, this column is about art and not civic issues, although one has to admit that our city roads just lend beautifully to an imaginative mind.
Coming back to the boxes, let’s begin with the first one that was built at Cauvery circle on Sankey Road. Those of you who have taken this route may have noticed the ‘art’ on the walls. There are visuals of an orange-coloured sun on either side of the wall as you enter the underpass.

According to some newspaper reports (which appeared around the time the magic box was opened to public), the so called mural was apparently designed and implemented by art students in an attempt to beautify these magical passes. I seem to remember these were done either free of cost or at a nominal charge covering basic material costs.
At the time, on seeing them, a friend had declared them a ‘monstrosity’ and an assault on the senses. I had nobly refrained from such epithets and had found them ‘childish’ but ‘not so bad’. Last week, when passing by, I noticed that the paintings on the wall look faded and patchy - the colour has actually left the surface in places, and therefore this cannot be ignored anymore. Whether there is a need for a mural in such locations is debatable, but once a project like this is undertaken one must do it right.
A mural or a wall painting requires specific skills, and a mural on an external wall that is exposed to the weather elements is that much more susceptible to wear and tear. We have some incredibly talented artists in the city who are known across the world, and there are a few who specialise in making murals. It is a complete mystery why the BBMP has not used the artistic and technical skills of those who have the expertise. The mural as it stands today is an eyesore and whatever the reason – budget or lack of skill - there is no excuse to inflict these on the unsuspecting Bangalorean and the odd tourist who happens to pass by.
Art on these walls fall under the realm of ‘public art’ and had they been conceptualised and executed with that in mind, we might have had a totally different take on this. Surprisingly, these ‘sun’ images have been duplicated at another magic box as well and they might be elsewhere too.
With these visuals multiplying at an alarming rate, I wonder if it is too late to do anything about them.

(Published in Bangalore Mirror)

Protect your paintings

(Nalini S Malaviya)

Monsoons are here and along with flooded basements, waterlogged roads and traffic pileups, most people are facing inconvenience in their daily life. But how is all this related to art? Well, paintings in particular are extremely susceptible to weather conditions and the increased amount of humidity in the air can play havoc with your expensive artworks.
This, in fact is a good time to take stock of your collection. One should carefully evaluate the condition of each of the pieces for any visible signs of damage.
Humidity levels in Mumbai are high throughout the year and this is one place where one has to be extra cautious with oil paintings and watercolours. However, in places like Bangalore and Delhi also, due to heavy rains, there are a number of people who are facing moulds and fungus on their prized art.

As most art lovers will be aware paintings need to be taken care of constantly. They must always be hung or stored in an environment that has optimum temperature and moisture. In watercolours, excessive humidity can cause growth of moulds or the paper may start to wrinkle. Moulds or dark spots may appear on paintings done on canvas as well. One must also check the back of the canvas for any infestation. Scattered dark spots, patches of faded colours, warping of the canvas mount or the frame should be taken seriously. One should consult a restorer for any damage that has appeared on the painting. Surface cleaning should be undertaken only if one is knowledgeable and confident about the process. If in doubt it is always better to consult a professional.

Collectors and investors spend huge amounts of money on the paintings, and therefore it makes sense to check them regularly to ensure they are in good condition so that their investment potential is not adversely affected.

(Published in Financial Times)

Art Buzz (London) Damien Hirst

Sothebys

Beautiful Inside My Head Forever, a major auction of works by Damien Hirst will be held in London on 15 & 16 September.
Works included are an important series of new pieces which have been created over the past two years, including monumental formaldehyde sculptures; paintings which expand on the artist's classic themes such as butterflies, cancer cells and pills; exquisite new cabinets and insightful preparatory drawings.

The exhibition will be on view at the New Bond Street Galleries from 5 - 15 September.

Art Buzz (Bangalore) Threshold