The Hindu : New Delhi News : Attack on Vadodara artist criticised

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Thursday, Aug 02, 2007
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New Delhi

Attack on Vadodara artist criticised

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Referring to the recent attack on artist Chandramohan by some fundamentalists at M. S. University in Vadodara, speakers at a panel discussion here on “Artistic Licence and Moral Policing” said due respect should be accorded to works of serious art, while some felt the sentiments of various communities should also be respected by artists. Participating in the discussion on Monday, Art critic Suneet Chopra said: “Any serious work of art must be given due respect. Work of aesthetic importance like Khajuraho cannot be perceived as vulgar. According to the IPC, it is the intention of the artist that is questioned and not the work of art.” Referring to developments in the Faculty of Fine Arts at M. S. University, Mr. Chopra said: “All those who entered the premises of the Fine Arts Faculty where students’ artworks were on display as part of the evaluation process should be booked. Pernicious complaints should not be entertained by the court.”

Expressing concern and outrage over the attack on Chandramohan, Actor Nandita Das said interference during examination at M. S. University was a serious matter. “Tomorrow some people can come and say why such a discussion is taking place. Our films are passed by the Central Board of Film Certification, but who will decide on moral policing?”

Danseuse Uma Sharma said while artists had the licence to depict nudes in their work of art, they should refrain from touching Hindu gods and goddesses. “Why does M. F. Husain want to paint Hindu gods and goddesses who are worshipped by millions?”

“Panchjanya” editor Tarun Vijay said: “We are facing a situation where artists are depicting things that are hurting a particular religious community. The problem arises when the intention of the artist is dishonest.”

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