“Paint historical pictures on compound walls” says Mayor…………….These lines published in my neighborhood newspaper ‘Mambalam Times’ catalyzed my thoughts to write this piece.
The initiatives taken by the corporation to ban sticking of bills on private walls, government buildings public properties and simultaneously promoting the idea of coloring these walls with splendid paintings are laudable. This initiative not only makes our Chennai ‘Singara Chennai’, it provides livelihood to many artists by staging their workmanship.
One such lucky wall was that of YMCA adjoining to Anna Salai. The marvelous watercolors over there depicted Mahabalipuram sculptures, classical dance postures, traditional farming, etc which provided feast to the commuter’s eyes, revitalized their tired souls coming back from office and energized going back to office on that busy road. These paintings not only displayed our cultural heritage and artistic tastes to new comers but also helped us to remember and protect them with pride. But this wall was not blessed for a long time, as the chennai’s monsoon had its way with it and tarnished its splendor. Now the condition of these walls are pitiable than those stuck with posters.
And at the same time corporation should find some other means for the posters as they are one of the most effective low budget advertising medium instead of banning them completely. Like providing areas similar to Notice board at public places such as bus stand, etc and charge a nominal fee with a time period for the display. Thus it would become a win-win situation for both. As usual, public should play vital part in it and I feel that we are becoming more conscious of it these days.
The initiatives taken by the corporation to ban sticking of bills on private walls, government buildings public properties and simultaneously promoting the idea of coloring these walls with splendid paintings are laudable. This initiative not only makes our Chennai ‘Singara Chennai’, it provides livelihood to many artists by staging their workmanship.
My humble suggestion to corporation and others who are going to implement and patronize this idea is to build overhangs on the top of the wall so that the rain water doesn’t deteriorate the painting on these walls as shown in the picture which find in the modern constructions serving this purpose.
Picture Courtesy: www.johnbridge.com
And at the same time corporation should find some other means for the posters as they are one of the most effective low budget advertising medium instead of banning them completely. Like providing areas similar to Notice board at public places such as bus stand, etc and charge a nominal fee with a time period for the display. Thus it would become a win-win situation for both. As usual, public should play vital part in it and I feel that we are becoming more conscious of it these days.
Paint and Preserve the Singara Chennai!!!!
