A large number of Goan artists and writers have protested against the Hindu JanJagriti Samiti for forcing the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR) at Porvorim to close down an exhibition of paintings by Dr Jose Pereira. Here are the views of some of the artists:
Salvador Fernandes
Viraj Naik
Art is a mirror of society, and fanatical organisations are black spots on that mirror. This is continuing since centuries. Artists practice without bias as to good and bad, and this leads to innovation. But those who disturb freedom of expression are bound to disturb the peace of society. Artists are easy targets. It was artists who created the image of God. For centuries, one can see the transformation of images in artists’ interpretations. People need to understand history before they point fingers.
Norman Tagore
It is difficult to create in the absence of absolute freedom. Artists express what they feel, and don't like the idea of being told what to do. Artists are tired of seeking the approval of people who don't know much about our cultural history.
Margaret Mascarenhas
When they ‘decide’ which ideas are fit for public consumption, ideological groups and self-appointed guardians of virtue rob artists of their basic democratic right to make that decision for themselves. When we defend freedom of expression, we do not defend the content of that expression, but the fundamental Constitutional right to freely express a view. No one is obliged to love what the artist creates, or buy the creation; no one is even bound to look at it. But the right to disagree with the artist’s view does not mean the right to take away his/her right to express it. Let's consider this as we approach Independence Day. Goa Bachao!
Praveen Naik
Artists have freedom of expression, but when it comes to exhibiting the expression, (s)he definitely should consider social factors. Whatever the artist does (s)he should have proper knowledge and deep study of the subject. If the artist is equipped with a proper explanation (s)he should not worry about fanatics. I am totally against these types of fanatics who purposely create disturbances under some banner.
Maria Aurora Couto
Over the years we have witnessed with dismay the narrowing of boundaries of artistic freedom and the curtailing of discourse in the name of religion. An earlier instance was the banning of the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
For religious organisations to call on the secular state to step in and assuage their sensitivities reflects the fact that freedom of expression is falling prey to populist sentiments and its curtailment is used as tool for political advantage. The tendency to ban in the ‘interest of communal harmony’ can lead to illiberal decisions. Restrictions, even when needed in the interest of public order should not involve censorship. Dr Jose Pereira‘s paintings represent a lifetime of study and teaching of Hinduism and its sacred texts, which he reveres.
Pradeep Naik
The opposition of the Hindu JanJagriti Samiti has nothing to do directly with the art objects in question. They are guided only by their political agenda. Artists should be left alone to create freely.
Vaibhava Kitlekar
It is very sad that a group of Hindu people is creating violence against Indian artists and instructing them about what to paint without much knowledge of Indian art, culture and history. I hope one day they will realise that they have no right to raise their voice against an artist just to get publicity.
Salvador FernandesEven in Europe there are nude sculptures and paintings in Christian churches. The religion is very serious, but these nude paintings are viewed in a spiritual angle and not with a narrow mind.
Viraj Naik
Art is a mirror of society, and fanatical organisations are black spots on that mirror. This is continuing since centuries. Artists practice without bias as to good and bad, and this leads to innovation. But those who disturb freedom of expression are bound to disturb the peace of society. Artists are easy targets. It was artists who created the image of God. For centuries, one can see the transformation of images in artists’ interpretations. People need to understand history before they point fingers.
Norman Tagore
It is difficult to create in the absence of absolute freedom. Artists express what they feel, and don't like the idea of being told what to do. Artists are tired of seeking the approval of people who don't know much about our cultural history.
Margaret Mascarenhas
When they ‘decide’ which ideas are fit for public consumption, ideological groups and self-appointed guardians of virtue rob artists of their basic democratic right to make that decision for themselves. When we defend freedom of expression, we do not defend the content of that expression, but the fundamental Constitutional right to freely express a view. No one is obliged to love what the artist creates, or buy the creation; no one is even bound to look at it. But the right to disagree with the artist’s view does not mean the right to take away his/her right to express it. Let's consider this as we approach Independence Day. Goa Bachao!
Praveen Naik
Artists have freedom of expression, but when it comes to exhibiting the expression, (s)he definitely should consider social factors. Whatever the artist does (s)he should have proper knowledge and deep study of the subject. If the artist is equipped with a proper explanation (s)he should not worry about fanatics. I am totally against these types of fanatics who purposely create disturbances under some banner.
Maria Aurora Couto
Over the years we have witnessed with dismay the narrowing of boundaries of artistic freedom and the curtailing of discourse in the name of religion. An earlier instance was the banning of the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
For religious organisations to call on the secular state to step in and assuage their sensitivities reflects the fact that freedom of expression is falling prey to populist sentiments and its curtailment is used as tool for political advantage. The tendency to ban in the ‘interest of communal harmony’ can lead to illiberal decisions. Restrictions, even when needed in the interest of public order should not involve censorship. Dr Jose Pereira‘s paintings represent a lifetime of study and teaching of Hinduism and its sacred texts, which he reveres.
Pradeep Naik
The opposition of the Hindu JanJagriti Samiti has nothing to do directly with the art objects in question. They are guided only by their political agenda. Artists should be left alone to create freely.
Vaibhava Kitlekar
It is very sad that a group of Hindu people is creating violence against Indian artists and instructing them about what to paint without much knowledge of Indian art, culture and history. I hope one day they will realise that they have no right to raise their voice against an artist just to get publicity.
If Goan Hindus are serious about Hindu JanJagriti Samiti interference. Then they must get together with other Goan faiths and Kick Hindu JanJagriti Samiti and any other elements that disrupt our communal harmony out of Goa. It is the successive governments that have let these undesired elements into Goa. The Government should voice themselves now before it's too late. It is important we Goans Have to Make a United stand.
ReplyDeleteActually these HJS idiots should be castrated. That lady leader needs a dose of a powerful f... injection from the Goan co....s for acting so bitchy.
ReplyDelete