Artists, state lock horns

The opening ceremony of southern regional centre of the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bangalore on Wednesday turned out to be a free for all as a minster from the state government termed some artists as ‘psuedo intellectuals’.

The event witnessed high drama with the artist fraternity and the minister for medical education Ramchandra Gowda entering into a verbal duel, after he dubbed some artists ‘pseudo intellectuals’. Speaking at the function, Gowda said: “Modern art has become a convenient means for pseudo intellectuals to insult and humiliate ancient Indian culture and heritage.”

He further said: “Some of the connoisseurs of art of late have begun running down the widely practised art believed by millions. I welcome modern art but not at the cost of ancient Indian culture and art.” The minister’s words evoked sharp reaction from a section of the artists, who were irked over many local artists not being invited for the function.

M S Murthy, a local artist, retorted: “A man who does not understand art, cannot pass any comments on it.” An enraged Gowda said: “This is the government speaking” and directed police officials to remove the protesting artist.

Murthy later alleged to the media that the officials had used vulgar words and asked him to leave the place. Some artists came out in his support even as the function continued inside. He charged several local artists had not been invited to the function, nor were their works exhibited.

Ambika Soni, union minister of tourism and culture who was present for the event intervened, later apologised to the artists if any names had been missed out from the invitation list. She said shortage of time may have resulted in some invitations not reaching the artists.