hey were supposed to provoke discussion, bring people together and liven up the street. But, the large stone sculptures installed by the New Delhi Municipal Council in Connaught Place last month have been vandalised and appropriated by local vendors to display their wares.
In its effort to beautify Lutyens’ Delhi, the civic body had commissioned nine artists from around the country to produce sculptures meant for public spaces, including Connaught Place and Lodhi Garden.
The artists came together for a workshop, organised by the NDMC and the Lalit Kala Akademi, in March. They produced nine sculptures of black stone, each measuring about 10 feet. Four of these were installed near Palika Bazaar on April 17.
But, in less than a month, one sculpture has been vandalised and another was moved by miscreants who were unable to lift it because of its weight. That being said, they managed to scrape the stone surface. The vandalised piece, titled ‘The Mirror’, is by Rajasthan-based artist Bhupat Dudi. On both sides, it had reflective mirror-like layers. One of these ‘mirrors’ has been ripped off, while the other has a chip.
According to vendors in the area, the chip had been there since the piece was transported to the spot.
“About a week ago, when we returned to work in the morning, the reflective sheet was gone. Scrap dealers must have removed it thinking it was plastic,” said a vendor, who sells selfie sticks.
Another piece, ‘Inherent Conversation’ by S. Gopinath from Karnataka, was moved from its original spot. When the NDMC noticed the vandalism on May 7, they returned the work to original location, albeit with scratches on the stone.
On Monday, the piece was being used by visitors as a sitting place. Street vendors had been using another piece to show their products on its flat and shiny surface.
Appreciating art
NDMC Chairperson Naresh Kumar told The Hindu that the sculptures would not be moved from the site for now.
“We require cooperation from the public to maintain these works of art. After all, it is for them that we put up these pieces,” said Mr. Kumar.
Meanwhile, the NDMC’s experiment with public art may have run into some trouble, but experts say such initiatives should be encouraged.
Art historian and curator Alka Pande, who has supported public art projects, said there was a need to inculcate respect for art, particularly through schools.
“We need to understand the soul or spirit of the artist’s work and respect that. From schools, we should be teaching art education. India is known the world over for its culture and spirituality, but we aren’t respecting our art,” said Ms. Pande.
She added that the NDMC should improve its display by giving adequate information about each piece through signage and installing CCTV cameras in the area. She also said there should be strict action against those responsible for the damage.
Civic body officials say the pieces will not be moved as the art has been put on display for the public
