KOCHI: This dispute has no aesthetics to it. Even before Kochi Metro got off the blocks, the supporting pillars of rail tracks have opened up a wide rift between two art promoting houses in the state - Kerala Lalithakala Akademi and Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF).
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) had inked an agreement last week with KBF to paint graffiti and artwork on pillars. Now, Akademi has questioned this decision at the government level.
Sathyapal, chairman, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, said they approached the government first with the proposal for painting the pillars. But the request was turned down citing possibilities of the accident.
KBF was given the right for painting. “Our office-bearers had discussed the matter. We have decided to approach the government for permission to paint the pillars. We will check the status of the agreement between KMRL and KBF,” he said.
Sathyapal said painting the pillars is not an accident-prone job. He said giving permission to Akademi would help young artists coming out of fine arts colleges to showcase their talent.
“We cannot comment on KBF’s art promotion. Several artists are waiting for an opportunity to showcase their creative streak. KBF is a private entity and it is not the face of art in Kerala. By giving an opportunity to Lalithakala Akademi the native artists will get an opportunity to display their skills,” he said.
KMRL has allowed KBF to sport a nine-ft-high overcoat of graffiti on 400 supporting pillars on the 20-km stretch from Aluva to Vytilla. A KMRL spokesperson said KBF has been given permission for three months. “As per the agreement, KBF will retain the pillars’ current form once the agreement period concludes. KMRL intends to use pillars for advertisement purpose,” the spokesperson said.