The art works on the city’s walls under the ‘Arteria’ project have survived rain and shine over the past three years. But, it has not escaped defacement by irresponsible event organisers.
Some of the art works on a wall near Palayam are now hidden behind posters announcing various events. And the posters have been stuck extensively from one end to another.
Joint venture
A joint venture of the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the Department of Tourism, the project was envisaged three years ago to beautify the walls on either side of the road from PMG to Palayam.
It was also an attempt at preventing the disfiguring of walls using posters and random graffiti. Some of the art works shed light on the State’s history and culture, while a few others are abstract. Quite a number of well-known artists have spent several days to complete the art works.
The posters on the walls include a number of ones announcing a ‘used books festival’, another set of posters regarding a convention of P.C. George’s Janapaksham party, posters of ‘Bhouthikam’ event, and smaller bills announcing job vacancies.
According to Nemom Pushparaj, chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Academy, whose paintings are also part of ‘Arteria’, sticking posters on art works is a heinous act against which strict action has to be taken.
Top works
“They stuck posters on top of works by a great artist like K.G. Subramanyam. This is a heinous act which shows their attitude that anything can be done on art works. The details of those organisations behind these posters need to be collected. They have to be given strict punishment, so that it serves as a model for others. Till now, there has not been a single instance of vandalism,” he said.
District Tourism Promotion Council Secretary Bindhu Mani said action would be taken against such vandalism of protected art works. “I have not yet seen these posters. Once we get a complaint, we will recommend the District Collector to take necessary action,” she said.
