The Hindu, Thrissur, January 18, 2011
Art critic Kalyan Kumar Chakravarthy has cautioned against re-creating tribal and folk arts for the needs of the modern market.
Addressing a seminar on ‘Folk and tribal arts: problems of understanding’ organised by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi here on Monday, he noted that the authenticity of ethnic art forms was not being preserved in their modern adaptations. “Often, the art forms are relegated to the status of showcase pieces in offices and homes. The essential virtues of tribal art are thus at a low ebb,” he said.
He stated that the benefits of tribal arts did not reach the creators even as their creations fetched good prices in the global market. “No attempts have been made to improve their lot.” He called for an alternative approach to protecting the ethnic art traditions of the country and to improving livelihoods by developing a viable and accessible market for traditional crafts.
“Art and craft of tribes are not merely decorative. They are born out of the vision of each community inspired by its communion with Nature and the wisdom of their traditions. For them, it is all about community pride, shared history and cultural relevance.” […]
Writer Sadanand Menon said that tribes were being exploited and discriminated against in the name of development. […]
Source: Commercialisation of tribal art forms deplored – The Hindu
Address : http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/commercialisation-of-tribal-art-forms-deplored/article1099229.ece
Date Visited: Sat Jan 18 2014 20:32:35 GMT+0100 (CET)
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